Parameters Influencing Moisture Diffusion in Epoxy-Based Materials during Hygrothermal Ageing—A Review by Statistical Analysis

Abstract

The hygrothermal ageing of epoxy resins and epoxy matrix composite materials has been studied many times in the literature. Models have been developed to represent the diffusion behaviour of the materials. For reversible diffusions, Fick, Dual–Fick and Carter (Formula presented.) Kibler models are widely used. Many parameters, correlated or not, have been identified. The objectives of this review by statistical analysis are to confirm or infirm these correlations, to highlight other correlations if they exist, and to establish which are the most important to study. This study focuses on the parameters of the Fick, Dual–Fick and Carter (Formula presented.) Kibler models. For this purpose, statistical analyses are performed on data extracted and calculated from individuals described in the literature. Box plot and PCA analyses were chosen. Differences are then noticeable according to the different qualitative parameters chosen in the study. Moreover, correlations, already observed in the literature for quantitative variables, are confirmed. On the other hand, differences appear which may suggest that the models used are inappropriate for certain materials.