Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Water Sorption and Solvent Sorption Techniques of Epoxy/Synthetic/Natural Fiber Composites

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Epoxy/Fiber Composites

  • 40 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter presents the main characteristics of water and solvent sorption and its effects on the behavior of epoxy/natural/synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Various models which were proposed in the literature to describe the kinetics of moisture sorption into polymers and their composites are briefly discussed. Basic Fickian diffusion models and more elaborate models that account for anomalous (i.e., non-Fickian) moisture absorption often exhibited by the thermoset resins are covered. It was shown that several factors affect the way in which hybrid epoxy/synthetic/natural composites absorb water (i.e., temperature, fiber volume fraction, type of fiber (permeable or impermeable), area of exposed surfaces, degree of cross-linking, degree of crystallinity of the epoxy matrix, etc.). Consequently, the accurate determination of diffusivity and moisture uptake in a composite is a fundamental step in the accurate prediction of moisture-induced degradation. In general, the presence of natural fibers in the composite increases the moisture absorption. Thus, it is recommended that the amount of natural fiber in a composite is restricted to its optimum fiber/matrix ratio in order to attain maximum strength and limit its moisture predisposition. One effective way to reduce the water absorption is the hybridization of natural fiber composites with synthetic fibers (glass, Kevlar, or carbon), enabling a proper balance in performance and cost.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • H.M. Akil, C. Santulli, F. Sarasini, J. Tirillò, T. Valente, Environmental effects on the mechanical behaviour of pultruded jute/glass fiber-reinforced polyester hybrid composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 94, 62–70 (2014)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Alamri, I.M. Low, Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of n-SiC filled recycled cellulose fiber reinforced epoxy eco-nanocomposites. Polym. Test. 31(6), 810–818 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2012.06.001

  • Z. Al-Hajaj, R. Zdero, H. Bougherara, Mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties of a new hybrid composite material made from 4 harness satin woven carbon fibers and flax fibers in an epoxy matrix. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 115, 46–56 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2018.09.015

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • K. Anbukarasi, S.I. Hussain, A.A. Roseline, S. Kalaiselvam, Effect of SiO2 nanospheres on mechanical, thermal and water absorption behaviours of luffa-coir/epoxy hybrid composites. Mater. Res. Express 6, 125618 (2019)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Apicella, R. Tessieri, C. de Cataldis, Sorption modes of water in glassy epoxies. J. Membr. Sci. 18, 211–225 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-7388(00)85035-8

  • Z. Azwa, B. Yousif, A. Manalo, W. Karunasena, A review on the degradability of polymeric composites based on natural fibers. Mater. Design 47, 424–442 (2013)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M.D. Banea, J.S.S. Neto, D.K.K. Cavalcanti, in Recent Trends in Surface Modification of Natural Fibers for Their Use in Green Composites, Green Composites, ed. by S. Thomas, P. Balakrishnan, (Springer Singapore, Singapore, 2021), pp. 329–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9643-8_12

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • L.R. Bao, A.F. Yee, Moisture diffusion and hygrothermal aging in bismaleimide matrix carbon fiber composites: Part I-Uni-weave composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 62, 2099–2110 (2002a)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • L.R. Bao, A.F. Yee, Moisture diffusion and hygrothermal aging in bismaleimide matrix carbon fiber composites: Part II-woven and hybrid composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 62, 2111–2119 (2002b)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Barjasteh, S.R. Nutt, Moisture absorption of unidirectional hybrid composites. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 43, 158–164 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • D.A. Bond, Moisture diffusion in a fiber-reinforced composite: Part I – Non-Fickian transport and the effect of fiber spatial distribution. J. Compos. Mater. 39(23), 2113–2141 (2005)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P. Bonniau, A.R. Bunsell, A comparative study of water absorption theories applied to glass epoxy composites in Springer GS Chapter 18, in Environmental Effects on Composite Materials, vol. 2, (Technomic Publishers, Lancaster, 1984)

    Google Scholar 

  • R.A. Braga, P.A.A. Magalhaes Jr., Analysis of the mechanical and thermal properties of jute and glass fiber as reinforcement epoxy hybrid composites. Mater. Sci. Eng. C 56, 269–273 (2015)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • S. Budhe, S. de Barros, M.D. Banea, Theoretical assessment of the elastic modulus of natural fiber-based intra-ply hybrid composites. J. Braz. Soc. Mech. Sci. Eng. 41(6), 263 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-019-1766-z

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Calabrese, V. Fiore, T. Scalici, A. Valenza, Experimental assessment of the improved properties during aging of flax/glass hybrid composite laminates for marine applications. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 136(14), 47203 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1002/app.47203

    Google Scholar 

  • D.K.K. Cavalcanti, M.D. Banea, J.S.S. Neto, R.A.A. Lima, Comparative analysis of the mechanical and thermal properties of polyester and epoxy natural fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. J. Compos. Mater. 55, 1683–1692 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998320976811

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • D.K.K. Cavalcanti, M.D. Banea, J.S.S. Neto, R.A.A. Lima, L.F.M. da Silva, R.J.C. Carbas, Mechanical characterization of intralaminar natural fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. Compos. Part B 175, 107149 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107149

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • V. Chaudhary, P.K. Bajpai, S. Maheshwari, Effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical performance of natural fiber reinforced woven hybrid bio-composites. J. Nat. Fibers 17, 84–100 (2020)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Cheng, Z. Zhong, U. Kureemun, D. Cao, H. Hu, H.P. Lee, S. Li, Environmental durability of carbon/flax fiber hybrid composites. Compos. Struct. 234, 111719 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Chilali, M. Assarar, W. Zouari, H. Kebir, R. Ayad, Effect of geometric dimensions and fibre orientation on 3D moisture diffusion in flax fibre reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting composites. Compos. Part A 95, 75–86 (2017)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Y.M. Chiang, P. Dunbar, W. Birnie, D. Kingery, Physical Ceramics: Principles for Ceramic Science and Engineering (Wiley, New York, 1996) ISBN: 978-0-471-59873

    Google Scholar 

  • Y. Dan-Mallam, H.T. Wei, M.S. Abdul Majid, Mechanical characterization and water absorption behaviour of interwoven kenaf/PET fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composite. Int. J. Polym. Sci. 4, 1–13 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • H.F.M. de Queiroz, M.D. Banea, D.K.K. Cavalcanti, Experimental analysis of adhesively bonded joints in synthetic- and natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. J. Compos. Mater. 54(9), 1245–1255 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998319876979

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • H.N. Dhakal, Z.Y. Zhang, M.O.W. Richardson, Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 67(7–8), 1674–1683 (2007)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. El-baky, M.A. Attia, Water absorption effect on the in-plane shear properties of jute–glass–carbon-reinforced composites using Iosipescu test. J. Compos. Mater. 53, 3033–33045 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Fick, Ueber diffusion. Ann. Phys. 170, 59–86 (1855) https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.18551700105

    Google Scholar 

  • C. Gao, C. Zhou, Moisture absorption and cyclic absorption–desorption characters of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. J. Mater. Sci. 54, 8289–8301 (2019)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Ghani, Z. Salleh, K.M. Hyie, M. Berhan, Y. Taib, M. Bakri, Mechanical properties of kenaf/fiberglass polyester hybrid composite. Procedia Eng. 41, 1654–1659 (2012)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Giridhar, Kishore, R.M.V.G. Rao, Moisture absorption characteristics of natural fiber composites. J. Reinf. Plast. Compos. 5(2), 141–150 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1177/073168448600500205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M.E. Gurtin, C. Yatomi, On a model for two phase diffusion in composite materials. J. Compos. Mater. 13(2), 126–130 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  • Z. Huo, V. Bheemreddy, K. Chandrashekhar, R.A. Brack, Modelling of concentration-dependent moisture diffusion in hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites. J. Compos. Mater., 1–10 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • D. Jain, S. Harpreet, T.K. Bera, R. Jain, Comparison of different hydrophobic treatments for the durability improvement of Palmyra natural fiber composites under hydrothermal ageing environments. J. Nat. Fibers 17, 1668–1682 (2019a)

    Google Scholar 

  • D. Jain, I. Kamboj, T.K. Bera, A.S. Kang, R.K. Singla, Experimental and numerical investigations on the effect of alkaline hornification on the hydrothermal ageing of agave natural fiber composites. Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 130, 431–439 (2019b)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Joliff, W. Rekik, L. Belec, J.F. Chailan, Study of the moisture/stress effects on glass fiber/epoxy composite and the impact of the interphase area. Compos. Struct. 108, 876–885 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Lima, D. Cavalcanti, J. de Souza, H. da Costa, M.D. Banea, Effect of surface treatments on interfacial properties of natural intralaminar hybrid composites. Polym. Compos. 41(1), 314–325 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.25371

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A.C. Loos, G.S. Springer, Moisture absorption of polyester-E glass composites, in Environmental Effects on Composite Materials, ed. by G. S. Springer, (Technomic Publishing Co. Inc., Westport, 1981), pp. 51–62

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Manteghi, Z. Mahboob, Z. Fawaz, H. Bougherara, Investigation of the mechanical properties and failure modes of hybrid natural fiber composites for potential bone fracture fixation plates. J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. Mater. 65, 306–316 (2017)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • L.L. Marsh, R. Lasky, D.P. Seraphim, G.S. Springer, in Environmental Effects on Composite Materials, 3, ed. by G. S. Springer, (Technomic Publishing Co, Westport, 1988), p. 51

    Google Scholar 

  • M.S. Maslinda, A. Majid, M.J.M. Ridzuan, M. Afendi, A.G. Gibson, Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hybrid interwoven cellulosic-cellulosic fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Compos. Struct. 167, 227–237 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • M.J. Mochane, T.C. Mokhena, T.H. Mokhothu, A. Mtibe, E.R. Sadiku, S.S. Ray, I.D. Ibrahim, O.O. Daramola, Recent progress on natural fiber hybrid composites for advanced applications: A review. eXPRESS. Polym. Lett. 13(2), 159–198 (2019)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • T.P. Mohan, K. Kanny, Water barrier properties of nanoclay filled sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 42(4), 385–393 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  • T.H. Mokhothu, M.J. John, Bio-based coatings for reducing water sorption in natural fiber reinforced composites. Sci. Rep. 7, 133351–133358 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13859-2

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Muñoz, J.A. García-Manrique, Water absorption behaviour and its effect on the mechanical properties of flax fiber reinforced bioepoxy composites. Int. J. Polym. Sci. 6, 1–10 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Nath, H. Jena, S.D. Priyanka, Analysis of mechanical properties of jute epoxy composite with cenosphere filler. SILICON 11, 645–671 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Neto, R. Lima, D. Cavalcanti, J. Souza, R. Aguiar, M. Banea, Effect of chemical treatment on the thermal properties of hybrid natural fiber-reinforced composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 136(10), 47154 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Y. Pan, G. Xian, H. Li, Numerical modeling of moisture diffusion in an unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Polym. Compos. 40, 401–413 (2019)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • K.L. Pickering, M.A. Efendy, T.M. Le, A review of recent developments in natural fiber composites and their mechanical performance. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 83, 98–112 (2016)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • D. Pinto, L. Bernardo, A. Amaro, S. Lopes, Mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites using titanium dioxide as reinforcement–a review. Constr. Build. Mater. 95, 506–524 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • V. Prasad, M.A. Joseph, K. Sekar, Investigation of mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of flax fiber reinforced epoxy composite with nano TiO2 addition. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 115, 360–370 (2018)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P.A. Prasob, M. Sasikumar, Static and dynamic behavior of jute/epoxy composites with ZnO and TiO2 fillers at different temperature conditions. Polym. Test. 69, 52–62 (2018)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Ramesh, K. Palanikumar, H.K. Reddy, Evaluation of mechanical and interfacial properties of sisal/jute/glass hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composites. Trans. Indian Inst. Metals 69, 1851–1859 (2016)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • B.C. Ray, Temperature effect during humid ageing on interfaces of glass and carbon fibers reinforced epoxy composites. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 298, 111–117 (2006)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M.J.M. Ridzuan, M.S. Abdul Majid, M. Afendi, K. Azduwin, N.A.M. Amin, J.M. Zahri, A.G. Gibson, Moisture absorption and mechanical degradation of hybrid Pennisetum purpureum/glass–epoxy composites. Compos. Struct. 141, 110–116 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  • S.N.A. Safri, M.T.H. Sultan, A.U.M. Shah, Characterization of benzoyl treated sugar palm/glass fiber hybrid composites. J. Mater. Res. Technol. 9, 11563–11573 (2020)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • E.H. Saidane, D. Scida, M. Assarar, H. Sabhi, R. Ayad, Hybridisation effect on diffusion kinetic and tensile mechanical behaviour of epoxy based flax–glass composites. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 87, 153–160 (2016)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C.H. Shen, G.S. Springer, Moisture absorption and desorption of composite materials. J. Compos. Mater. 10(1), 2–20 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Shrivastava, A. Telang, R.S. Rana, R. Purohit, Mechanical properties of coir/ Glass fiber epoxy resin hybrid composite 5th international conference of materials processing and characterization (ICMPC 2016). Mater. Today Proc. 4, 3477–3483 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • A.S. Sujon, M.A. Habib, M.Z. Abedin, Experimental investigation of the mechanical and water absorption properties on fiber stacking sequence and orientation of jute/carbon epoxy hybrid composites. J. Mater. Res. Technol. 9(5), 10970–10981 (2020)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P.T.R. Swain, S.N. Das, P.K. Patnaik, A. Purohit, The influence of moisture absorption on the mechanical and thermal properties of chemically treated DPL reinforced hybrid composite. Mater. Sci. Forum 978, 316–322 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  • P.T.R. Swain, S. Biswas, Influence of fiber surface treatments on physico-mechanical behaviour of jute/epoxy composites impregnated with aluminium oxide filler. J. Compos. Mater. 51(21), 3909–3922 (2017)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • K. Tabrej, M.T.H. Sultan, M. Jawaid, Physical performance of kenaf/jute mat reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. Int. J. Recent Technol. Eng. 8, 448–452 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • N. Venkateshwaran, A.E. Perumal, A. Alavudeen, M. Thiruchitrambalam, Mechanical and water absorption behaviour of banana/sisal reinforced hybrid composites. Mater. Des. 32, 4017–4021 (2011)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • N. Venkateshwaran, E. Perumal, Mechanical and water absorption properties of woven jute/banana hybrid composites. Fibers Polym. 13, 907–914 (2012)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • W. Wang, M. Sain, P. Cooper, Study of moisture absorption in natural fiber plastic composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 66, 379–386 (2006)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Woo, M.J. Piggott, Water absorption of resins and composites I: Epoxy homopolymers and copolymers. Compos. Technol. Res. 9, 101 (1987)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Xie, C.A. Hill, Z. Xiao, H. Militz, C. Mai, Silane coupling agents used for natural fiber/polymer composites: A review. Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 41, 806–819 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  • K. Yorseng, S.M. Rangappa, J. Parameswaranpillai, S. Siengchin, Influence of accelerated weathering on the mechanical, fracture morphology, thermal stability, contact angle, and water absorption properties of natural fiber fabric-based epoxy hybrid composites. Polymers 12(10), 2254 (2020)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Zhou, J.P. Lucas, The effects of a water environment on anomalous absorption behavior in graphite/epoxy composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 53, 57–64 (1995)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Zhou, J.P. Lucas, Hygrothermal effects of epoxy resin. Part I: The nature of water in epoxy. Polymer 40, 5505–5512 (1999a)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Zhou, J.P. Lucas, Hygrothermal effects of epoxy resin. Part II: Variations of glass transition temperature. Polymer 40, 5513–5522 (1999b)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Center of Technological Education of Rio de Janeiro (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Mariana D. Banea

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala, India

    Sandip Budhe

Authors
  1. Mariana D. Banea
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sandip Budhe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept Mechanical & Process Engineering, King Mongkut's Univ Tech North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

    Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa

  2. Center of Innovation in Design and Eng, King Mongkut's University of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

    Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai

  3. Department of Mechanical and Process Eng, King Mongkut's University of Technology, Bangsue, Bangkok, Krung Thep, Thailand

    Suchart Siengchin

  4. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Sabu Thomas

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Banea, M.D., Budhe, S. (2022). Water Sorption and Solvent Sorption Techniques of Epoxy/Synthetic/Natural Fiber Composites. In: Mavinkere Rangappa, S., Parameswaranpillai, J., Siengchin, S., Thomas, S. (eds) Handbook of Epoxy/Fiber Composites . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8141-0_40-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8141-0_40-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-15-8141-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-8141-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Chemistry and Mat. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation