Complete system monitoring of polymer matrix composites

In situ, real time analysis of the chemical interactions occurring within the interphase of fiberglass fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMCs) has been accomplished through utilization of fiber optic sensors. The fiber size, as well as the composition of the thin cladding, closely approximates industrial fiberglass fibers, which allows the fibers to function simultaneously as model fiber-reinforcements and evanescent wave sensors. Using this sensor technology, the current research has shown that reactions occurring between the fiber surface, adsorbed silane coupling agent, and polymer can be monitored using FT-NIR spectroscopy. Two PMC systems have been chosen to demonstrate the ability to monitor complex interphase chemistry in situ and in real time. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.