Measurement Science Group > Expertise > Microscopy of Composites

Microscopy of Composites

Why Microscopy?
The ability to actually see what is going on inside composites (typically fibre-reinforced polymers/resins assembled in stacks of alternating fibre directions to give strength) often enables us to most quickly understand how these materials are performing. At a glance we can see potential problems such as fractures, voids and poor fibre/matrix bonding.

Below are some typical examples:

Microscopy	Image	Outcome
A carbon fibre composite viewed in cross-section by Reflected Light Optical Microscopy.		Voids observed surrounding fibres. The large dark area in the lower left of the image is a region where the fibres have not been fully coated by the resin matrix; resulting in voids.
A composite containing a fibre ‘weave’. Seen in Reflected Light Optical Microscopy.		Fractures. One of the greatest concerns for composite manufacturers is the occurrence of fractures. This image shows a composite containing a fibre weave. After impact testing, the impact has produced minor fractures through the weave.

As composite materials continue to replace traditional materials in many applications, an awareness and understanding of the potentially catastrophic failure modes of these advanced materials is essential.

Intertek MSG Microscopy Team has expertise in this area if this is important to you.

Advice is available, so make the call +44 (0) 1642 435788 or email MSGenquiry@intertek.com