Mitigating Water Absorption in Carbon Fiber
Reinforced Plastics
Kavyansh Jain
November 21, 2024
Abstract
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRPs) technology has penetrated many
market sectors due to their unrivaled strength to weight ratios and stiffness. On the
contrary, water absorption presents a key challenge that limits their performance
and longevity as a composite material over time. This article is structured around
the exploration of water absorption characteristics in CFRP materials and plasticity
of these materials in their mechanical properties and other means used to overcome
them. Based on the events as Titan submersible disaster, we bring forth a more
than obvious issue in demand for water barrier technology. Including the literature
on the types of advanced resin systems, surface treatments, composite materials
including nanomaterials and their production enhancers, we realize the state of the
art development improving the water impermeability of CFRPs.
Keywords Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics, Water Infusion, Structural Pa-
rameters, Composite Materials, Nanocomposites, Surface Treatment, Resin Sys-
tems, Fabrication Methods.
1 Introduction
In today’s world, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRPs) have become popular
and important in many industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine among
others. This is because of their superior strength to weight ratio, high stiffness and
great resistance to fatigue. Nonetheless, one of the major drawbacks of these ma-
terials is that they tend to absorb water, and this adversely affects their mechanical
properties with time.
Water molecules can diffuse in the polymer matrix of CFRP composites. Once
hydrated, these water molecules can lead to the following unfavorable effects:
Ceiling Effect: The incorporation of water molecules into the polymer matrix
can enable softening, thereby decreasing the matrix’s stiffness and strength.
Hydrolytic deterioration: it has been acknowledged that water molecules can
attack the polymer chains in certain conditions leading to hydrolytic deterioration
of the system.
Fiber Matthews Slippage: Even the mechanical bonds between fibers and the
matrix can get damaged through water, hence leading to lesser strength of the
composite.
1
The recent collapse of the Titan submersible, which was under examination for
suspected water leakage, reinforces the dangers associated with water penetration
of CFRPs, especially in conditions of high water pressure.
2 Methodology
This research involved a comprehensive literature review of existing studies on wa-
ter absorption in CFRPs. The following methodologies were employed to analyze
the collected data:
1. **Systematic Literature Review:** A systematic approach was used to iden-
tify relevant research articles from reputable databases such as Scopus, Web of
Science, and Google Scholar. 2. **Data Extraction:** Key information, including
material properties, processing techniques, water absorption rates, and mechanical
properties, was extracted from the selected papers. 3. **Data Analysis:** The
extracted data was analyzed to identify trends, correlations, and potential areas for
future research.
The relationships between the constituents and the water absorption of CFRP
composites exist under many aspects.
Resin type: in the case of CFRPs, epoxies are most common and water-absorbent
properties depend on the actual epoxy resin used.
Fiber volume fraction: The fibrous
Environmental conditions: Temperature, humidity, UV radiation etc. impeded
and accelerated water absorption and degradation.
Detrimental Effects of Water Absorption The mechanical properties of CFRPs
are notably influenced by water absorption :
Decreased Stiffness and Strength: The polymer matrix may be plasticized by
water which causes a deterioration in the stiffness and strength. Creep Increase:
The deformation caused by creep can be enhanced in the presence of water, more
so when the temperature is high. Fatigue Retention Reduction: Water can speed
the process of fatigue damage thereby shortening the fatigue life of CFRPs. Dis-
tortion: Water absorption may bring about changes in dimension, hence distortion
and inaccuracy.
Techniques to lessen the effect of water absorption
In view of the effect of water absorption, various approaches have been inves-
tigated by different researchers and engineers:
Advanced Resin Systems
Water resistant high performance epoxy resins Thermoplastic polyaryletherke-
tones (PAEK) resins which have low levels of water absorption Surface Modifica-
tion of Carbon Fibers
Application of chemicals to add functional groups in order to create a better
bond Application of polymers to prevent water passage through the surfaces coated
with the polymers Hybrid Composites
Sandwiching carbon fibers with other types of fibers such as glass or aramid,
increasing moisture resistance with fibrous structures Orienting different fiber lay-
ers perpendicular to each other in which water has to take a more complicated path
Nanocomposites
Using nanoparticles such as silica or carbon nanotubes to improve the dense
barriers of polymers Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
2
Use of techniques like, Vacuum infusion and autoclave curing to control the
curing process and reduce the void content ]Mechanisms Of Water Absorption
The relationships between the constituents and the water absorption of CFRP
composites exist under many aspects.
Resin type: in the case of CFRPs, epoxies are most common and water-absorbent
properties depend on the actual epoxy resin used.
Fiber volume fraction: The fibrous
Environmental conditions: Temperature, humidity, UV radiation etc. impeded
and accelerated water absorption and degradation.
Detrimental Effects of Water Absorption The mechanical properties of CFRPs
are notably influenced by water absorption :
Decreased Stiffness and Strength: The polymer matrix may be plasticized by
water which causes a deterioration in the stiffness and strength. Creep Increase:
The deformation caused by creep can be enhanced in the presence of water, more
so when the temperature is high. Fatigue Retention Reduction: Water can speed
the process of fatigue damage thereby shortening the fatigue life of CFRPs. Dis-
tortion: Water absorption may bring about changes in dimension, hence distortion
and inaccuracy.
Techniques to lessen the effect of water absorption
In view of the effect of water absorption, various approaches have been inves-
tigated by different researchers and engineers:
Advanced Resin Systems
Water resistant high performance epoxy resins Thermoplastic polyaryletherke-
tones (PAEK) resins which have low levels of water absorption Surface Modifica-
tion of Carbon Fibers
Application of chemicals to add functional groups in order to create a better
bond Application of polymers to prevent water passage through the surfaces coated
with the polymers Hybrid Composites
Sandwiching carbon fibers with other types of fibers such as glass or aramid,
increasing moisture resistance with fibrous structures Orienting different fiber lay-
ers perpendicular to each other in which water has to take a more complicated path
Nanocomposites
Using nanoparticles such as silica or carbon nanotubes to improve the dense
barriers of polymers Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
Use of techniques like, Vacuum infusion and autoclave curing to control the
curing process and reduce the void content
[Insert results and discussion here, including figures and tables]
3 Conclusion
Conclusion
Water absorption remains a critical challenge for the long-term performance
and reliability of CFRPs. By understanding the mechanisms of water absorption
and employing advanced materials, surface treatments, and manufacturing tech-
niques, researchers and engineers can develop more durable and water-resistant
CFRP components. The lessons learned from recent incidents, such as the Titan
submersible disaster, emphasize the importance of robust water barrier technolo-
gies. Continued research and development are essential to push the boundaries of
CFRP technology and ensure their continued success in demanding applications