Kinetic Studies on Water Absorption Properties of Cocoa-pod Epoxy Composites

Abstract

The kinetic and characteristics of water absorption of cocoa-pod husk filler reinforced epoxy composite by short-term immersion at room temperature was studied. Composite specimen containing 5, 10, 20 and 30% filler volume fraction were prepared. The percentage of moisture uptake increased as the fibre volume fraction increased due to the high cellulose content of cocoa-pod husk. Results indicate that a D value of 105.8 x 10-7 m2/s at 30% volume fraction was obtained.The process of absorption of water was therefore found to follow the kinetics and mechanism described by Fick's law.

Keywords

• cocoa pod
• epoxy
• composite
• water absorption
• fick's law