Comparison of Void Measurement Methods for Carbon/Epoxy Composites

摘要

This report studies four destructive measurement techniques for determining voidvolume fraction in CFRP composites. Two approaches to void measurement were taken: density determination/matrix digestion (DD/MD), and optical image analysis. Within each approach two techniques were studied. In the DD/MD approach, the water buoyancy technique (WBY0 (see ASTM D 792) and density gradient technique (DGT) (see ASTM D 1505) were investigated. In the image analysis approach a Dapple Image Analyzer, and the more automated Omnimet Image Analyzer, techniques were investigated. It was found that 'true' or absolute void content is quite difficult to measure regardless of the technique used. However, when making relative measurements between like specimens void content comparisons are reliable and practical to obtain. The WBT recorded consistently lower void content data than the DGT; it was also found to be less precise. For routine CFRP, void content determination, where relative comparisons are sufficient and high precision is not an issue, the WBT is recommended as it is practical to implement. When high precision is needed, the DGT is recommended. Image analysis methods produce highly localized data, but it is likely that they approximate true void content more closely than the DD/MD method because the void measurement, though actually a measure of void area, is direct. For more critical void content measurement where accuracy, as well as precision are required, a highly automated version of an image analysis technique, like the Omnimet, which scans a large number of cross sections is recommended. At present, this appears to be the best procedure available to determine true void content.