Publications

Investigations into Moisture Diffusion of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials

Reyes, Karla R.; Reyes, Karla R.; Pavia Sanders, Adriana P.; Massey, Lee T.; Warnock, Corinne M.; Ward, Donald K.; Withey, Elizabeth A.; Chames, Jeffery M.; Briggs, Timothy B.

The moisture absorption behavior of two fiber reinforced composite materials was evaluated in a unidirectional manner The flat materials were exposed to varying humidity and temperature conditions inside of an environmental chamber in order to determine their effective moisture equilibrium (M m ) and moisture absorption rate (D z ). Two-ply (thin) and four-ply (thick) materials were utilized to obtain M,,, and Dz, respectively. The results obtained from laboratory work were then compared to modeling data to better understand the material properties. Predictions capabilities were built to forecast the maximum moisture content, time required for saturation, and the moisture content at any given humidity and temperature. A case study was included to demonstrate this capability. Also of interest were cubed samples to investigate directionality preferences in water immersion studies. Several coatings were evaluated for their water permeation properties. Further dissemination authorized to the Department of Energy and DOE contractors only; other requests shall be approved by the originating facility or higher DOE programmatic authority.