{"id":6469,"date":"2026-07-20T16:03:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:03:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leyton.majjane.agency\/ca\/?post_type=article&p=6469"},"modified":"2026-08-06T15:02:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T13:02:45","slug":"predicting-hygrothermal-aging-and-mechanical-degradation-in-composite-materials","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/leyton.com\/ca\/en\/insights\/articles\/predicting-hygrothermal-aging-and-mechanical-degradation-in-composite-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Predicting Hygrothermal Aging and Mechanical Degradation in Composite Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Abstract<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polymer matrix composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, energy, and marine applications due to their high specific strength, low density, and design flexibility. However, their long-term performance can be significantly affected by harsh environmental conditions, particularly combined exposure to moisture and temperature variations. Hygrothermal aging induces complex degradation mechanisms, including moisture diffusion through the polymer matrix, plasticization effects, fiber\/matrix interface degradation, and the development of internal stresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study presents a numerical approach for analyzing the influence of thermal, hygroscopic, and hygrothermal effects on the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. A Multiphysics finite element model coupling moisture diffusion, heat transfer, and mechanical response is developed to predict material degradation under different environmental conditions. The evolution of mechanical properties, including elastic modulus, tensile strength, and internal stress distribution, is investigated during environmental exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The results demonstrate that moisture absorption and thermal cycling significantly modify composite mechanical behavior. The combined temperature-moisture effect accelerates degradation mechanisms by increasing polymer chain mobility and generating differential strains between composite constituents. The proposed approach provides improved understanding of hygrothermal aging mechanisms and contributes to more accurate lifetime prediction of composite structures operating in severe environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Keywords:<\/strong> Polymer matrix composites, hygrothermal aging, moisture diffusion, finite element analysis, environmental degradation, mechanical behavior.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polymer matrix composites have become essential engineering materials due to their exceptional mechanical properties, low weight, and ability to provide tailored structural performance through reinforcement orientation and material design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are increasingly used in demanding applications such as aircraft structures, wind turbine blades, automotive components, offshore platforms, and marine structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite their advantages, composite materials are sensitive to environmental conditions. Unlike metallic materials, polymer-based composites can experience significant degradation when exposed to prolonged humidity, temperature fluctuations, and combined environmental stresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moisture absorption inside polymer matrices occurs through molecular diffusion mechanisms and can modify the physical and mechanical properties of the material. Water penetration may result in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Plasticization of the polymer matrix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Reduction of glass transition temperature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Decrease in stiffness and strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weakening of fiber\/matrix adhesion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    When moisture exposure is combined with thermal cycling, additional damage mechanisms may occur. Differences between the thermal expansion coefficients of fibers and polymer matrices generate internal stresses, which may promote microcrack formation and interface degradation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore, understanding and predicting hygrothermal aging behavior is essential for improving the reliability and durability of composite structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The objective of this research is to develop a numerical framework capable of predicting the mechanical degradation of polymer matrix composites subjected to thermal, moisture, and coupled hygrothermal environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Materials and Composite System Description<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The investigated material consists of a continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The composite structure includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • An epoxy polymer matrix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Continuous reinforcing fibers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A fiber\/matrix interface, considered as a critical damage region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      The initial material properties considered include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Longitudinal elastic modulus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Transverse elastic modulus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Thermal expansion coefficients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Moisture diffusion coefficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Initial tensile strength.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        The composite behavior is analyzed before and after environmental exposure to quantify degradation mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Moisture Diffusion Modeling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Moisture absorption inside the composite is modeled using Fick\u2019s diffusion law:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u2202C\/\u2202t = D\u2207\u00b2C<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • C represents moisture concentration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • D represents the diffusion coefficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • t represents time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          The diffusion coefficient is considered temperature-dependent according to the Arrhenius relationship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          D(T)=D\u2080 exp(-Ea\/RT)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • D\u2080 is the diffusion pre-exponential factor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Ea is the activation energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • R is the universal gas constant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • T is the absolute temperature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            This relationship describes the increase in molecular diffusion rate with temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The model allows prediction of moisture concentration distribution throughout the composite thickness over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Thermo-Hygro-Mechanical Coupling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            To reproduce realistic operating conditions, a coupled multiphysics model is developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Three major effects are considered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Thermal Effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Temperature variations generate thermal strains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u03b5th = \u03b1\u0394T<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            where \u03b1 represents the coefficient of thermal expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Repeated heating and cooling cycles can create internal stress due to the mismatch between fiber and matrix thermal responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Hygroscopic Effects<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Moisture absorption produces swelling strains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u03b5h = \u03b2C<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            where \u03b2 represents the hygroscopic expansion coefficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            These moisture-induced deformations contribute to stress generation within the composite structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Coupled Hygrothermal Mechanical Response<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            The total stress state is calculated using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u03c3 = C(\u03b5 – \u03b5th – \u03b5h)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • \u03c3 represents stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • C represents the stiffness matrix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • \u03b5 represents total strain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              <\/div>\n\n\n\n

              This formulation allows evaluation of stress evolution caused by combined temperature and moisture effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Numerical Methodology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              The numerical study was carried out using a finite element approach in order to analyze the hygrothermal and mechanical behavior of a polymer matrix composite material subjected to severe environmental conditions. The modeling was mainly performed using ANSYS Workbench, with the ACP Pre module used to define the composite laminate. A modal and stability analysis was then conducted to evaluate the dynamic response and the risk of thermal buckling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"
              Figure 1:<\/strong> Schematic of the numerical procedure in ANSYS Workbench coupling the ACP Pre module
              and modal analysis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              The numerical procedure can be summarized as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Definition of the composite model geometry <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              A laminated composite plate was modeled by considering its geometrical dimensions, thickness, and the geometrical ratio (a\/h), which is an important parameter in the study of thermal stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Definition of the laminate architecture <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The ACP Pre module was used to define the stacking sequence of the composite layers, the fiber orientation, the thickness of each ply, and the orthotropic properties associated with the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Assignment of mechanical and thermal properties <\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The elastic, thermal, and hygrothermal properties of the composite were introduced into the model. These properties consider the behavioral differences between the polymer matrix and the reinforcing fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Finite element meshing<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The structure was discretized using a regular mesh, allowing an accurate representation of displacement fields and stress concentration zones. Mesh refinement improves the accuracy of the results, particularly for modal analysis and the identification of critical zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Application of boundary conditions and environmental loads <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Mechanical boundary conditions were applied to the edges of the plate in order to represent the constraints of the structure. Thermal and hygroscopic effects were introduced in the form of temperature variations and moisture uptake, representing hygrothermal aging conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Modal analysis and stability analysis <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              A modal analysis was performed to determine the first natural mode shapes of the composite plate. Then, a thermal buckling analysis was carried out to estimate the critical temperature at which the structure loses stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Numerical validation by MATLAB\/ANSYS comparison<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The results obtained using ANSYS were compared with those calculated using MATLAB. This comparison makes it possible to verify the consistency of the numerical model and confirm the reliability of the observed trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Three main scenarios were considered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • constant moisture exposure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • alternating thermal cycles;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • simultaneous moisture\u2013temperature coupling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                This methodology makes it possible to study separately and jointly the effects of moisture and temperature on the overall mechanical response of the composite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Results and Discussion<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                The numerical results obtained highlight the significant influence of hygrothermal aging on the mechanical behavior and stability of polymer matrix composite structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Analysis of the Numerical Model<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                The simulation scheme in ANSYS Workbench shows the coupling between the ACP Pre module and the Modal analysis. This organization enables the correct transfer of information related to the composite laminate, fiber orientation, ply properties, and stacking sequences to the mechanical calculation module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                This step confirms that the composite model was correctly prepared for finite element analysis. The geometry, meshing, material definition, boundary conditions, and solution steps were validated within the ANSYS environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Analysis of Mode Shapes<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                The figures representing the first natural modes show different deformation patterns of the composite plate. The first mode generally exhibits a centered global deformation, characteristic of dominant bending behavior. The following modes show more complex shapes with several positive and negative displacement zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"\"
                Figure 2: <\/strong>First natural vibration mode shapes of the composite plate obtained by modal analysis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                The results show that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • the first mode shape is dominated by a global deformation of the plate;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • the higher modes exhibit several deformation lobes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • increasing the mode number leads to a more complex displacement distribution;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • maximum displacement zones mainly appear at the center or in localized regions of the plate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                  These mode shapes are important because they help identify the zones most sensitive to mechanical instability. In the context of hygrothermal aging, these zones may become critical when the matrix properties decrease under the effects of moisture and temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Displacement Distribution<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  The displacement maps obtained using ANSYS show a non-uniform distribution of deformations in the composite plate. The red zones correspond to maximum displacements, while the blue zones represent minimum displacements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"\"
                  Figure 3: <\/strong>Displacement distribution in the composite plate for different deformation modes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  The results indicate that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • maximum displacements appear in the central zones or in localized modal regions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • the edges of the plate generally exhibit lower displacements due to the applied boundary conditions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • higher modes generate several maximum displacement zones;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • the displacement distribution strongly depends on fiber orientation and the laminate stacking sequence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                    These observations confirm the anisotropic nature of the composite material. Unlike isotropic materials, the mechanical behavior strongly depends on fiber direction, stacking sequence, and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Influence of Moisture on Mechanical Properties<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Moisture absorption causes progressive degradation of the polymer matrix. Water mainly penetrates the matrix and may modify the interactions between polymer chains. This leads to a reduction in the overall stiffness of the composite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"\"
                    Figure 4: <\/strong>Numerical deformation shapes of the composite plate obtained using ANSYS for different displacement modes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    The effect of moisture results in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • a reduction in the elastic modulus;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • an increase in deformations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • a decrease in mechanical strength;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • a reduction in load transfer efficiency between fiber and matrix;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • progressive weakening of the fiber\/matrix interface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                      Since the matrix is more sensitive to moisture than the fibers, hygrothermal aging causes local heterogeneity in mechanical behavior. This difference in sensitivity may generate stress concentrations at the fiber\/matrix interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Influence of Temperature and Thermal Cycles<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Temperature acts as an accelerating factor in the aging process. When temperature increases, molecular mobility in the matrix becomes greater, which facilitates water diffusion inside the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Thermal cycles also cause successive expansions and contractions. Since the fibers and the matrix do not have the same coefficients of thermal expansion, internal stresses develop within the composite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      These stresses may cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • the appearance of microcracks;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • progressive debonding at the fiber\/matrix interface;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • loss of stiffness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • reduction in thermal stability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • decrease in the service life of the structure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                        Thus, the combined effect of moisture and temperature is more severe than the effect of each factor considered separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Critical Buckling Temperature<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        The critical buckling temperature curve shows the evolution of (Delta T) as a function of the geometrical ratio (a\/h). The results obtained using MATLAB and ANSYS show a similar trend, confirming the consistency between the two numerical approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"
                        Figure 5: <\/strong>Evolution of the critical buckling temperature as a function of the ratio: comparison between MATLAB and ANSYS.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        It is observed that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • the critical temperature increases with the ratio (a\/h);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • the increase is rapid for low values of (a\/h);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • beyond a certain value, the curve gradually tends toward a plateau;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • MATLAB results are slightly higher than those obtained using ANSYS;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • the difference between the two methods remains small, which validates the finite element model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                          This evolution indicates that the geometry of the plate strongly influences its thermal stability. Thinner plates or plates with a high geometrical ratio may show particular sensitivity to buckling under thermal loading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The slight difference between MATLAB and ANSYS may be explained by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • the analytical assumptions used in the MATLAB calculation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • the type of finite elements used in ANSYS;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • the numerical boundary conditions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • mesh discretization;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • approximations related to the composite laminate model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                            Despite these differences, the good agreement between the curves confirms the validity of the numerical approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Coupled Hygrothermal Effect<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Moisture\u2013temperature coupling represents the most critical case for the composite. Moisture reduces the mechanical properties of the matrix, while temperature accelerates water diffusion and increases internal thermal stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The combined effect causes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • progressive reduction in stiffness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • increase in displacements;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • reduction in the critical stability temperature;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • stress concentration at the fiber\/matrix interface;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • increased risk of microcracking;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • progressive loss of mechanical integrity of the composite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                              <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                              The numerical results therefore make it possible to identify critical zones before the appearance of macroscopic failure. This predictive capability is essential for composite structures used in severe environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Industrial Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              The developed numerical methodology is of significant interest for several industrial sectors using polymer matrix composite materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              It can be applied in particular to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • aeronautics, to predict the service life of composite panels subjected to moisture and temperature variations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • naval and offshore structures, where composite structures are exposed to humid and saline environments;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • wind energy, to study the aging of blades subjected to thermal cycles and atmospheric humidity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • automotive applications, to optimize composite parts exposed to variable climatic conditions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • civil engineering, to assess the durability of composite reinforcements used in structures exposed to the environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                The use of numerical simulation reduces the number of long and costly experimental tests. It also makes it possible to optimize the design of composite structures from the early stages of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                This approach can therefore contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • improving the reliability of composite structures;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • increasing their service life;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • reducing maintenance costs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • identifying zones sensitive to degradation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • proposing laminate designs that are more resistant to hygrothermal environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  This numerical study analyzed the hygrothermal aging of polymer matrix composite materials by considering moisture absorption, thermal variations, and their effects on mechanical properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The finite element modeling performed using ANSYS, combined with the ACP module for the definition of the composite laminate, made it possible to study the modal response, displacement distribution, and thermal stability of the structure. The results show that moisture causes a progressive decrease in mechanical stiffness, while temperature accelerates water diffusion into the matrix and promotes the development of internal stresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The analysis of mode shapes shows that deformation modes become more complex as the mode number increases. The displacement maps highlight critical zones where deformations are maximal. These zones may constitute preferential sites for microcrack initiation or interfacial debonding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The comparison between MATLAB and ANSYS for the critical buckling temperature shows good agreement between the results. This comparison confirms the reliability of the proposed numerical model. The small differences observed may be attributed to differences between analytical assumptions and finite element discretization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The results confirm that moisture\u2013temperature coupling is a major factor in the degradation of composite materials. The fiber\/matrix interface appears to be a particularly sensitive zone, as it ensures load transfer between the constituents of the composite. Its degradation may lead to a progressive loss of mechanical performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  In conclusion, the developed numerical approach constitutes an effective tool for predicting the behavior and service life of composite structures exposed to severe hygrothermal environments. It makes it possible to identify critical zones, evaluate thermal stability, and optimize the design of composite laminates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Future work may integrate more advanced damage models, considering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • crack initiation and propagation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • progressive degradation of the fiber\/matrix interface;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • irreversible effects of moisture absorption;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • long-term aging under repeated thermal cycles;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • experimental validation of the numerical model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                    Thus, this study opens the way to a better understanding of the long-term behavior of polymer matrix composite materials under real service conditions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                    Abstract Polymer matrix composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, energy, and marine applications due to their high specific strength, low density, and design flexibility. However, their long-term performance can be significantly affected by harsh environmental conditions, particularly combined exposure to moisture and temperature variations. Hygrothermal aging induces complex degradation mechanisms, including moisture diffusion through […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":7703,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[457966,110,336],"tags":[115],"expertise":[776,399036,774],"class_list":["post-6469","article","type-article","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-automotive-en","category-sred","category-sred-3","tag-sred-en","expertise-innovation-funding-tax-incentives","expertise-rd-tax-credits","expertise-sred-tax-credits"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPredicting Hygrothermal Aging and Mechanical Degradation in Composite Materials - Leyton Canada<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/leyton.com\/ca\/en\/insights\/articles\/predicting-hygrothermal-aging-and-mechanical-degradation-in-composite-materials\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Predicting Hygrothermal Aging and Mechanical Degradation in Composite Materials\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Abstract Polymer matrix composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, energy, and marine applications due to their high specific strength, low density, and design flexibility. 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