Anomalous fluid sorption in polymeric composites and its relation to fluid-induced damage

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 617 - 623
• Main Author: Weitsman, Y.J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Laminates; A. Resins; Applied sciences; B. Residual stress; B. Strength; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Polymer; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; B. Strength; A. Resins; Polymer; B. Residual stress; A. Laminates; Laminate; Thermal ageing; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Desorption; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Modeling; Composite material; Molecule scattering; Graphite fiber; Humidity effect; Aqueous medium; Artificial ageing; Water absorption; Fracture mode; Damaging
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2005.05.022

The purpose of this paper is to review several investigations regarding anomalous fluid sorption in polymeric composites and provide a certain perspective on this subject. This article recounts various experimental weight-gain and weight-loss data recordered for polymeric composites exposed to different regimes of ambient fluid environments. These data are related qualitatively to observations of damage in the form of fiber/matrix microcracks. A coupled diffusion/damage model is discussed and shown to provide a reasonable explanation for experimental findings. It should be noted that the model discussed herein excludes chemical reactions and long-term effects where polymeric time-dependent response couples with the diffusion process.