ABSTRACT
The corrosion-driven degradation of wood and other conventional metallic structures has promoted the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in various mobile and immobile marine structural applications. Starting from patrol boats to mega ships, offshore oil platforms, crude oil pipelines, and tidal and wind turbines in the sea are some of the critical applications of FRP composites. However, the moisture susceptibility of these polymeric composites must be well ensured for predictable and durable in-service applications. The moisture diffusion kinetics of such FRP composites is a bit complex due to its heterogeneity. Hence, various diffusion models, namely, Fickian, Langmuirian, hindered, and dual stage are discussed in this chapter. Emphasis has further been given on the influence of the fiber, polymer, and interface on the moisture absorption behavior of such FRP composites. Various possible physical and chemical changes in the polymer due to its interaction with water molecules have also been discussed. The effects of these changes on the microstructure and mechanical performance of FRP composites has further been reported.
