Moisture Absorption Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Monomer Casting Nylon Composites

Abstract

A series of tests were conducted to study the moisture absorption behaviors of carbon fiber-reinforced monomer casting nylon (CF/MC) composites with fiber contents of 10 and 15 vol.%, and their effects on mechanical properties. The results show that the moisture absorption behavior of the CF/MC composites obeys a Fickian relationship. The maximum moisture uptake has been found to decrease with the increase of carbon fiber volume fraction. The moisture absorption rate and the time to reach the saturation fall as the immersion medium temperature increases. Furthermore, a great increase in moisture content and absorption rate is observed as the pH values of the medium decrease. It is observed that moisture intake has a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties (bending strength and hardness) of the CF/MC composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to examine the shear and impact surfaces of the composites, and the findings of SEM observations are consistent with those of the moisture absorption experiments.