The hygrothermal degradation on mechanical properties of short-fiber reinforced nylon

The hygrothermal degradation of glass fiber/nylon composite was investigated after aged at 25 degreesC, 50 degreesC, 75 degreesC and 100 degreesC up to 1 month of total exposure in aqueous solution. The effects of moisture absorption and thermal aging on mechanical properties are compared as functions of temperature, fiber volume and concentration of sodium chloride. The amount of water absorption increases when the aging temperature is increased and the concentration of NaCl is lowered. In general, the mechanical properties decrease with amount of water absorption. The degradation rate of various mechanical properties is different depending on the temperature, fiber volume and the concentration of NaCl. The diffusion mechanisms of water in short-fiber reinforced nylon are discussed as functions of fiber volume, molding conditions and concentration of sodium chloride.