Matrix Resin Characterization in Cured Graphite Composites Using Diffuse Reflectance-Ftir

The chemical characterization of cured graphite fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites is complicated by the fact that the resins are insoluble and the composites are apaque. Standard analyses which depend either on the ability to dissolve the sample or to detect transmitted radiation are impossible. As a result, data reported on environmentally exposed composites primarily concern macroscopic information such as weight loss or changes in selected mechanical properties. Diffuse reflectance in combination with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was developed to gain a basic chemical understanding of composite and adhesive behavior. Several composite and adhesive materials were characterized before and after environmental exposure. In each case significant changes in resin molecular structure were observed and correlated with changes in mechanical properties, providing new insights into material performance.