Investigations on interfacial moisture storage and its relation to the mechanical behavior in polymer composites

Abstract

Moisture absorption in composites significantly influence the fiber/matrix interface regions and mechanical properties. Hence, it is very important to quantify the moisture storage in interfaces and correlate it to the mechanical behavior. The novelty of this article is that, for the first time, it explores the correlation of moisture absorption parameters with the mechanical behavior of composites. The paper studies four different types of moisture‐soaked composites—glass fiber/epoxy, carbon fiber/epoxy, ZnO nanowire incorporated glass fiber/epoxy, and ZnO nanowire incorporated carbon fiber/epoxy. One‐dimensional hindered diffusion model (1D HDM) was used for the extraction of moisture absorption parameters. The hindrance coefficient (ratio of bound to unbound moisture) of composites was found to increase proportionately with the increase in the volume of interfacial regions. Only in carbon fiber/epoxy composite, it did not increase proportionately due to the relatively larger degradation of interface. This was correlated well with mechanical test responses wherein carbon fiber/epoxy exhibited anomalous failure modes due to relatively larger degradation of interface. Numerical simulations were also carried out to describe the moisture absorption in composites. Numerical simulations of moisture absorption in composites using time‐varying boundary conditions matched very well with experimental as well as 1D HDM results.

Effect of adding Indiana red matta rice husk Si3N4 bioceramic on mechanical, wear, flammability and tensile creep behavior of corn husk fiber polyester composite

“…5 Just a few percent of these vast volumes of leftovers are utilized as home fuel or animal fertilizer, while the majority is usually burnt, resulting in a detrimental impact on the surroundings owing to air pollution. 6 As a result, using these leftovers as fillers and reinforcements in composite materials is a significant solution for environmental pollution as well as solid waste dumping. Among various biomass sources, the corn is one of the largely consumed grain starting from new born to elderly people.…”

“…The agricultural sector harvest wastes such as corn stover (husks, stalks, and leaves), similarly rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, pineapple leaves, and oil palm are generated in enormous amounts each year and are easily found at cheap cost and ample supply, making them an economically viable source of biomaterials over the world 5 . Just a few percent of these vast volumes of leftovers are utilized as home fuel or animal fertilizer, while the majority is usually burnt, resulting in a detrimental impact on the surroundings owing to air pollution 6 . As a result, using these leftovers as fillers and reinforcements in composite materials is a significant solution for environmental pollution as well as solid waste dumping.…”