Mechanical properties of cellulose fibre reinforced vinyl-ester composites in wet conditions

The effect of prolonged water absorption on the physical and mechanical properties has been investigated for vinyl-ester composites reinforced with natural fibres. The elastic modulus of these composites was measured and the data were validated with various mathematical models. The modelling results revealed that the experimental data matched the data predicted by the Cox-Krenchel model. Prolonged exposure of these composites to water absorption caused a reduction in elastic modulus and strength.