Water absorption study on pultruded e-glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Abstract

Glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites were subjected to water immersion tests in order to study its water absorption behaviour its effects on mechanical properties. Water absorption tests were conducted by immersing composite specimens into three different environmental conditions included distilled water, sea water and acidic solution. Water absorption curves were obtained and diffusion coefficient (D) and maximum moisture content (Mm) were determined. The water absorption behaviour of composite was found to follow a so-called Fickian behaviour. The flexural and compression properties were found to decrease with increasing water uptake.