A method of monitoring water absorption in polymers using a depth sensing indentation system

The mechanical properties of many polymers are known to change as they absorb water. This fact has been used to monitor the absorption of water into the surface layers of an epoxy adhesive with a depth sensing indentation system. Two methods have been demonstrated. The sample can be immersed in water for a period of time and then removed and tested in air. Alternatively, the sample can be tested in in situ. In the second method the transport of water through the adhesive can clearly be seen in hardness/depth profiles. Hardness, elastic modulus, and creep strain of the adhesive change with time until a stable value is reached, which corresponds to full plasticization of the adhesive to the influence depth of the indenter. The initial mechanical properties of the epoxy are mostly recovered on drying.