Marine Composites

Water Absorbtion

Water Absorption
When an organic matrix composite is exposed to a humid environment or liquid, both the
moisture content and material temperature may change with time. These changes usually
degrade the mechanical properties of the laminate. The study of water absorption within
composites is based on the following parameters as a function of time: [4-26]

The temperature inside the material as a function of position;

The moisture concentration inside the material;

The total amount (mass) of moisture inside the material;

The moisture and temperature induced hygrothermal stress inside the

material;

The dimensional changes of the material; and

The mechanical, chemical, thermal or electric changes.

Figure 4-13 Time Va rying

Environmental Conditions in a
M ul tilaye red
Comp o site
[Springer, Environmental Effects on Composite Materials]

To determine the physical changes within a composite

laminate, the temperature distribution and moisture
content must be determined. When temperature varies
across the thickness only and equilibrium is quickly
achieved, the moisture and temperature distribution
process is called Fickian diffusion, which is
analogous to Fourier's equation for heat conduction.
Figure 4-13 illustrates some of the key parameters used
to describe the Fickian diffusion process in a
multilayered composite.
The letter T refers to
temperature and the letter C refers to moisture
concentration.
Fick's second law of diffusion can be represented in
terms of three principal axes by the following
differential equation: [4-27]

c
2c
2c
2c
= Dx 2 + D y 2 + Dz 2
t
x x
x y
x z

(4-7)

Figure 4-14 shows the change in moisture content, M, versus the square root of time. The
apparent plateau is characteristic of Fickian predictions, although experimental procedures have
shown behavior that varies from this. Additional water absorption has been attributed to the
relaxation of the polymer matrix under the influence of swelling stresses. [4-28] Figure 4-15
depicts some experimental results from investigations conducted at elevated temperatures.

194

Chapter Four

PERFORMANCE

Laminate Water Absorbtion Kinetics for Experimental Laminate Specimens [Pritchard, The Use of Water Absorbtion Kinetic Data to Predict Laminate Property Changes]
Figure 4-14

Time Varying Environmental Conditions in a Multilayered Composite [Springer, Environmental Effects on Composite Materials]

Figure 4-15

Structural designers are

primarily interested in
t h e l o n g t e r m
degradation of
mechanical properties
when composites are
immersed in water. By
applying curve-fitting
p r o g r a m s
t o
experimental data,
extrapolations about long
term behavior can be
postulated. [4-28]
Figure 4-16 depicts a 25
year prediction of shear
strength for glass
polyester specimens
dried after immersion.
Strength values
eventually level off at
about 60% of their
original value, with the
degradation process
accelerated at higher
temperatures. Figure
4-17 shows similar data
for wet tensile strength.
Experimental data at the
higher temperatures is in
relative agreement for
the first three years.
Table 4-1 shows the
apparent maximum
moisture content and the
transverse diffusivities
for two polyester and
one vinyl ester E-glass
laminate. The numerical
designation refers to
fiber content by weight.

The water content of laminates cannot be compared directly with cast resin water contents,
since the fibers generally do not absorb water. Water is concentrated in the resin
(approximately 75% by volume for bidirectional laminates and 67% by volume for
unidirectionals). [4-28]

195

Marine Composites

Water Absorbtion

Figure 4-16 Change of Moisture Content with the Square Root of Time for
Fickian Diffusion [Springer, Environmental Effects on Composite Materials]

P re d ic t e d Dry S h e a r
Strength versus Square Root of Immersion Time [Pritchard, The Use of Water
Absorbtion Kinetic Data to Predict Laminate Property Changes]
Figure 4-17

Table 4-1 Apparent Maximum Moisture Content and Transverse Diffusivities of

Some Polyester E-Glass and Vinyl Ester Laminates
[Springer, Environmental Effects on Composite Materials]
Substance

50% Humidity
100%
Humidity
Salt Water
Diesel Fuel
Lubricating Oil
Antifreeze

Maximum Moisture Content*

Transverse Diffusivity
Temp
(C) SMC-R2 VE SMC-R50 SMC-R50 SMC-R25 VE SMC-R50 SMC-R50
5
23

0.17

0.13

0.10

10.0

10.0

30.0

93

0.10

0.10

0.22

50.0

50.0

30.0

23

1.00

0.63

1.35

10.0

5.0

9.0

93

0.30

0.40

0.56

50.0

50.0

50.0

23

0.85

0.50

1.25

10.0

5.0

15.0

93

2.90

0.75

1.20

5.0

30.0

80.0

23

0.29

0.19

0.45

6.0

5.0

5.0

93

2.80

0.45

1.00

6.0

10.0

5.0

23

0.25

0.20

0.30

10.0

10.0

10.0

93

0.60

0.10

0.25

10.0

10.0

10.0

23

0.45

0.30

0.65

50.0

30.0

20.0

93

4.25

3.50

2.25

5.0

0.8

10.0

*Values given in percent

Values given are D22 x 10 mm /sec

196