Effect of reinforcement and solvent content on moisture absorption in epoxy composite materials

The effect of fibrous reinforcement and solvent content on moisture uptake in composite laminate was investigated. Two materials using identical epoxy resin systems but different reinforcements—glass vs. carbon fibers—and of different solvent content—low vs. normal—were examined. Samples were characterized in terms of water absorption and desorption. Mechanical and thermal properties including flexural modulus, flexural strength, and glass...