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O Water Absorbtion
O Water Absorbtion
Water Absorbtion
Water Absorption
When an organic matrix composite is exposed to a humid environment or liquid, both the
moisture content and material temperature may change with time. These changes usually
degrade the mechanical properties of the laminate. The study of water absorption within
composites is based on the following parameters as a function of time: [4-26]
c
2c
2c
2c
= Dx 2 + D y 2 + Dz 2
t
x x
x y
x z
(4-7)
Figure 4-14 shows the change in moisture content, M, versus the square root of time. The
apparent plateau is characteristic of Fickian predictions, although experimental procedures have
shown behavior that varies from this. Additional water absorption has been attributed to the
relaxation of the polymer matrix under the influence of swelling stresses. [4-28] Figure 4-15
depicts some experimental results from investigations conducted at elevated temperatures.
194
Chapter Four
PERFORMANCE
Laminate Water Absorbtion Kinetics for Experimental Laminate Specimens [Pritchard, The Use of Water Absorbtion Kinetic Data to Predict Laminate Property Changes]
Figure 4-14
Time Varying Environmental Conditions in a Multilayered Composite [Springer, Environmental Effects on Composite Materials]
Figure 4-15
The water content of laminates cannot be compared directly with cast resin water contents,
since the fibers generally do not absorb water. Water is concentrated in the resin
(approximately 75% by volume for bidirectional laminates and 67% by volume for
unidirectionals). [4-28]
195
Marine Composites
Water Absorbtion
Figure 4-16 Change of Moisture Content with the Square Root of Time for
Fickian Diffusion [Springer, Environmental Effects on Composite Materials]
P re d ic t e d Dry S h e a r
Strength versus Square Root of Immersion Time [Pritchard, The Use of Water
Absorbtion Kinetic Data to Predict Laminate Property Changes]
Figure 4-17
50% Humidity
100%
Humidity
Salt Water
Diesel Fuel
Lubricating Oil
Antifreeze
0.17
0.13
0.10
10.0
10.0
30.0
93
0.10
0.10
0.22
50.0
50.0
30.0
23
1.00
0.63
1.35
10.0
5.0
9.0
93
0.30
0.40
0.56
50.0
50.0
50.0
23
0.85
0.50
1.25
10.0
5.0
15.0
93
2.90
0.75
1.20
5.0
30.0
80.0
23
0.29
0.19
0.45
6.0
5.0
5.0
93
2.80
0.45
1.00
6.0
10.0
5.0
23
0.25
0.20
0.30
10.0
10.0
10.0
93
0.60
0.10
0.25
10.0
10.0
10.0
23
0.45
0.30
0.65
50.0
30.0
20.0
93
4.25
3.50
2.25
5.0
0.8
10.0
196