Water absorption parameters of glass/epoxy composites based on dimension effect

Abstract

In this study, the water uptake parameters of S glass/epoxy samples have been assessed experimentally. The glass/epoxy specimens were manufactured by the vacuum assisted resin transfer method (VARIM) have been kept in distilled water and sea water at 25°C and 70°C temperatures for 1000 hours in a hydrothermal aging cabin. The water gain behavior of samples with different length/width (L/w) ratios has been investigated based on criteria such as different water types and different temperatures. Furthermore, the water uptake trend of samples has been assessed analytically based on the Fick’s law in addition to the experimental method. The results have shown that the L/w ratio, water type, and temperature have an important influence on the water gain character of glass/epoxy composites. The experimental weight measurements showed that temperature increase was caused to more water absorption in both water types. Furthermore, it was noted the increase in L/w ratio was caused to more water sorption. Moreover, experimental and analytical results have shown that water intake trends consistent in both methods.