Moisture absorption by epoxy resins: The reverse thermal effect

Experiments are reported on the variations in moisture absorption properties of an epoxy resin produced by sudden changes in temperature. Where the temperature change occurred when only a little water had been absorbed, the change in moisture absorption was determined by the change in diffusivity. Where a temperature change occurred when near saturation, a reverse thermal effect was observed. An attempt has been made to understand the results in terms of thermodynamics. Results obtained for the swelling changes accompanying sudden changes in moisture content suggest that it is the more tightly bound water in the polymer which takes part in the reverse thermal effect.