Abstract:

This paper investigated the water absorption characteristics of PA6-GF30 (30% polyamide of glass fibre) for the coating of a vehicle door outside handle, tested material samples with a thickness of 3 mm. Summarized the material regularities about how humidity determines saturated water absorption rate, how
temperature determines water absorption speed, and how time determines water absorption level. A water absorption mathematical model of PA6-GF30 door outside handle coating was established by using Kriging interpolation method. And an inverse function of service environment was established with a least square method. The precisions were within 5% for tests and calculations. The model was used to predict the water absorption rate and the water absorption condition of the door outside handle coating under different conditions, and was applied to design structure optimally to avoid the non-return problems due to water absorption. A new standard was established for acceleration experiment of water absorption. The results can be used as a reference for further research and design of vehicle parts with similar absorbent materials.

Key words: vehicle door outside handle , polyamide , material selection , water absorption , Kriging interpolation method