Abstract
This work aims to numerically study the moisture absorption in polymer composites reinforced with vegetal fiber, using the diffusive model of Langmuir, which considers the existence of water molecules inside the material free to diffuse and adsorb at the capillaries walls, in the solid. A three-dimensional and transient mathematical modelling to describe the water absorption process by the composite and its numerical solution via finite volume method are presented and discussed. Results of the free solute concentration, entrapped solute concentration, local moisture content and average moisture content obtained at different instants of the process are presented and analyzed. It was verified that the concentration gradients of the molecules (free and entrapped) are higher at the material surface. In addition, as the concentration of free water increases, there is also an increase in entrapped water concentration within the material at any time of the process.
Highlights
IntroductionComposites are materials formed by the combination of two or more materials, insoluble in each other, forming a useful engineering material, that has certain properties and that are not obtained by its constituents separately[1].Generally, a composite is constituted by a matrix (continuous phase that completely involves the disperse phase) and a reinforcement (discontinuous phase or dispersed in the form of fibers, spherical particles or platelets), that provides different structures and properties to the material.In relation to the reinforcement types that can be used in the composites, the vegetal fiber is highlighted
Composites are materials formed by the combination of two or more materials, insoluble in each other, forming a useful engineering material, that has certain properties and that are not obtained by its constituents separately[1].Generally, a composite is constituted by a matrix and a reinforcement, that provides different structures and properties to the material.In relation to the reinforcement types that can be used in the composites, the vegetal fiber is highlighted
Water absorption curves were plotted as a function of time
Summary
Composites are materials formed by the combination of two or more materials, insoluble in each other, forming a useful engineering material, that has certain properties and that are not obtained by its constituents separately[1].Generally, a composite is constituted by a matrix (continuous phase that completely involves the disperse phase) and a reinforcement (discontinuous phase or dispersed in the form of fibers, spherical particles or platelets), that provides different structures and properties to the material.In relation to the reinforcement types that can be used in the composites, the vegetal fiber is highlighted. In comparison to the traditional synthetic reinforcement agents, the vegetable fibers present lower density, abrasiveness and cost, besides, they are biodegradables and renewable. Its mechanical performance can be compared to the synthetic fiber performance and they present good thermal properties[2], which justifies its use as a reinforcement in polymers. The use of vegetable fibers presents high potential in technological application due to its use as a substitute of synthetic fiber. The production of those fibers presents a great socioeconomic character, especially in Brazil, where they are produced by communities of the north and northeast regions[3]
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