Materials Properties: Moisture Absorption and Durability

AbstractThe role of water absorption on the physical and mechanical properties of cellulose fibre-reinforced epoxy and vinyl-ester ecocomposites and eco-nanocomposites were investigated. Water absorption was found to decrease as the nanoclay content increased. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness significantly decreased as a result of water absorption. However, the properties of impact strength and impact toughness were found to increase after exposing to water. The addition of nanoclay slightly minimized the effect of moisture on the mechanical properties. SEM images showed that water absorption severely damaged the cellulose fibres and the bonding at fibre–matrix interfaces in wet composites.KeywordsNanocompositesCellulose fibresNanoclayWater uptakeMoisture diffusionMicrostructureSEMTEMMechanical propertiesFlexural strengthFlexural modulusImpact strengthImpact toughnessFracture toughness