AbstractA model for the effect of external loading on diffusion into the bulk resin matrix of unidirectional composite materials is proposed. The model attributes the effect to a change in the free volume of the resin matrix, which is equal to its volume strain. The latter is calculated by substracting the volume strain of the fibers from that of the composite. The ratio of the diffusion coefficients in the stressed and unstressed states is expressed as a function of the stress level, the volume fraction of the fibers, and the angle between the applied stress and the fiber direction. Calculations for a glass‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites are presen