Water sorption thermodynamics in polymer matrices

Water sorption is a key issue in assessing the durability of polymer matrix composites. In fact absorbed water can adversely affect mechanical properties of the matrix and fibre-matrix interface integrity. In this contribution the general issue of water sorption thermodynamics in polymers is addressed from the experimental and theoretical point of view. The case of both rubbery and glassy polymers is considered modelling thermodynamics of water-polymer systems using lattice fluid theories accounting also for the occurrence of possible self- and cross-hydrogen bonding interactions. Outcomes of theoretical analyses are compared to experimental results obtained by vibrational spectroscopy and gravimetric measurements. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.