Observing inhomogeneity of plastic components in carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy in the micrometer scale

A method based on micro attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ( FTIR) is described to quantify inhomogeneity of plastic components in carbon fiber reinforced plastic material (CFRP). The investigated CFRPs contain an epoxy resin and a thermoplastic. Measurements on ground specimens at an inclined plane through the material allow the determination of the polymer distribution with a resolution of one micron regarding the depth. Three commercially available CFRPs (M18-1/G939, 8552/IM7, RTM 6) are characterized providing information on mechanical and thermal properties.