Papers by Keyword: Fickian

Abstract: Mechanical characteristics, dimensional stability, and bonding strength are all impacted by water sorption in polymer filler materials. The diffusion coefficient (D) of water through polymer composite, should be determined to understand the impact of the deterioration on service life and micro-leakage. In this study, the kinetics and properties of water absorption by short-term immersion in room-temperature plantain fibre reinforced epoxy bio-composites (PFRC), were studied. 5, 10, 20, and 30 percent, plantain fiber (PF) volume fractions of bio-composite specimens were made. Due to the high cellulose content of natural fibers (NF), the percentage of moisture absorption grew as the PF volume fraction increased. The mechanism and kinetics of PFRC's water absorption were found to follow the Fickian diffusion mode and had the propensity to behave in the Fickian mode.

Abstract: Natural fibre composite materials have been highlighted in recent years as they have the potential to mitigate the pollution and global warming. Kenaf is a high yield and fast growing plant. Kenaf does not require a lot of energy in production. Furthermore, the kenaf plant can absorb carbon dioxide when breathing. The objective of this paper is to relate the effect of different environment to the mechanical properties of kenaf and kenaf hybrid (fiberglass) polyester composites for 60 days period. Kenaf composite (containing 20 wt% of Kenaf fibres) and kenaf hybrid (containing 20 wt% kenaf fibre and 16 wt% fiberglass) were produced in cold press hand lay-up technique and then cured for 24 hours. The specimens were cut as required in EN ISO 527. The specimens were immersed in 3 different water sources, which were rain water, salt water and tap water. Tensile and hardness test were conducted to study the mechanical properties at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days. Both kenaf polyester and kenaf hybrid polyester show reduction on mechanical properties after immersion in the solutions. Kenaf polyester and kenaf hybrid polyester followed fickian behaviour after 40 days water immersion.