The investigation of inner structural damage of UV and heat degraded polymer composites using X-ray micro CT

Accelerated UV degradation conditions were imposed on different epoxy resin composites reinforced with carbon fibre, 3D parabeam glass, and E-glass. X-ray micro computed tomography (X mu CT) was used to evaluate the changes in the composites' inner structure as a result of the treatment. Structural damage factors such as density changes, reinforcement filler damage, homogeneity, cracks and microcracks were examined. X mu CT 3D images, 2D reconstructed slices and void calculations showed cracks in all composites with different shapes and volume in response to the UV degradation conditions. 3D-glass reinforced epoxy composites showed the least amount of damage in comparison with other composites. E-glass suffered the most damage upon UV degradation. Most of the structural damage in both 3D-glass and E-glass composites occurred in the resin matrix in the near-surface region, while internal damage was present in the form of delamination in the carbon fibre composite. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.