Determination of water diffusion coefficients and dynamics in adhesive/carbon fiber-reinforced phenolic resin composite joints

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX) is an easy and exact method for determination of water diffusion coefficients and dynamics. Here we have calculated the water diffusion coefficients and dynamics in adhesive/carbon fiber-reinforced phenolic resin composite joints subjected to different surface treatments with both EDX and elemental analysis. The water diffusion coefficients and dynamics in the adhesive joints determined with EDX analysis are almost the same as those determined with elemental analysis. The durability of the adhesive joints with carbon fiber-reinforced phenolic resin composites subjected to silane coupling agent treatment is better than those subjected to sandpaper burnishing and chemical oxidation treatment.