Accelerated Aging Cycle of Composite Reinforced High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Roofing Panel
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of accelerated aging cycle (AAC) on water absorption of the composites. The HDPE composite was subjected to a series of six ageing cycles at an elevated temperature. The cycle consist of immersion in water at (49 ± 2°C), explosion to steam and water vapor (93 ± 2°C), stored in freezer (-12 ± 2°C), and heated in oven (99 ± 2°C). It took approximately twelve days to complete this aging cycle. The effect and the changes of water absorption for both control and after accelerated aging were observed and determined. The results showed that water absorption was significant as the greater the fibre percentage, the higher the water absorption. This behavior occurs for both conditions. There were significant differences in the percentage of the water absorption for both control and accelerated aging cycle.