Moisture absorption of unidirectional hybrid composites

Unidirectional hybrid composite rods were conditioned in humid air to investigate the sorption kinetics and the effects of moisture on mechanical and physical properties. Sorption curves were obtained for both hybrid and non-hybrid composite rods to determine characteristic parameters, including the diffusion coefficient (D) and the maximum moisture uptake (M(infinity)). The moisture uptake for the hybrid composites generally exhibited Fickian behavior (no hybridization effects), behaving much like non-hybrid composites. A two-dimensional diffusion model was employed to calculate moisture diffusivities in the longitudinal direction. Interfaces and thermally-induced residual stresses affected the moisture diffusion. In addition, the effect of hygrothermal aging on glass transition temperature (T(g)), short beam shear strength (SBS), and tensile strength was determined for hygrothermal exposure at 60 degrees C and 85% relative humidity (RH). Property retention and reversibility of property degradation were also measured. Microscopic inspection revealed no evidence of damage. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.