Experimental and ABAQUS finite element studies on latania fiber-reinforced epoxy composite degradation upon water absorption

Latania fiber is a novel natural fiber that exhibits superior mechanical properties compared to the widely used jute fiber. The main objective of this research is to investigate the influence of humidity and temperature on the aging of latania fiber-reinforced epoxy (LFRE) composites. Standard flat specimens, fabricated by hand lay-up, were immersed in distilled water and the Caspian Sea water at temperatures of 4 and 25 °C. Fick's law and the hyperbolic tangent methods were employed to characterize the moisture diffusion response. Lowering the service temperature reduced the moisture uptake rate and the water diffusion coefficient. Tensile tests were conducted to analyze and compare the mechanical behavior of pristine and aged LFRE composites. Both tensile modulus and strength were reduced upon moisture uptake. The fracture morphology of the water-aged LFRE composites was examined by scanning electron microscopy after tensile tests. The finite element ABAQUS was used to model the water diffusion into LFRE. With limited data on water absorption in this novel LFRE composite and increasing demand for sustainable materials, this study addresses a gap in understanding environmental durability essential for broader structural applications.