Kinetic and thermodynamics analysis of water absorption in unidirectional fiber reinforced composites by polyethersulphone and polyphenylence sulfide

In the present work, carbon fiber, polyethersulphone and polyphenylence sulfide were the material choice. By a solution and suspension impregnation technique and hot-pressing process, a unidirectional laminates was produced. The values of Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS) showed PPS widen the scope of shaping temperature without negative effect upon the interface binding force among the CF and resins. The moisture gain curves of composites by different matrix were compared with those of the neat resins in order to determine the interface combination status during moisture sorption process. The results proved PPS reduced water absorption by weakening the polarity of benzene and forming compact structure by crystallization. The difference in absorption heat of two kinds of matrix and composites suggested that the interface play an important role during the diffusion procession. Comparing to the pseudo-first-order model, the pseudo-second-order model is in excellent agreement with the experimental data of the composite consist of hybrid resins.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Compared with neat resins, Composites consists of PPS and PES reduces more than four times water quasi–equilibrium uptake.
► The obvious differences in the heat of water uptake between neat resins and composites suggest the interface has great influence on the moisture diffusion.
► Water uptake process in composites consists of hybird resins is accordance with the preudo-second-order equation.