Abstract
The influence of internal factors like the fibre volume fraction and its orientation to the diffusion path on the moisture absorption trends of both the permeable (Jute-Epoxy) and the impermeable types (glass-epoxy) of composites were studied. The equilibrium moisture level (Mm) and the diffusion coefficient (DJ of the glass-epoxy composite decreased as expected, with an increase of the glass fibre fraction (V f) and its orientation («), while those of the Jute-epoxy composite (ie Mm and D/) were found to increase with an increase in the resin impregnated jute fibre fraction (V/) and remain practically uninfluenced by the variations in the fibre orientation angle. These observed trends were explained in terms of typical fibre permeabilities and the diffusion paths preferred by the moisture in these composites. A term called "dif- fusivity index (DI)" was introduced to quantify the relative permeabilities of polymer composites to moisture.
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