Influence of the stacking sequence on the porosity in carbon fiber composites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 122; no. 6; pp. 3583 - 3589
• Main Authors: Toscano, C., Vitiello, C.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.12.2011; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Attenuation; Carbon fibers; Composite structures; composites; curing of polymers; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; fibers; curing of polymers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Inspection; Laminates; Materials science; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Porosity; Stacking; Technology of polymers; curing of polymers; fibers; Stacking sequence; Laminate; Material defect; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Composite material; composites; Non destructive method; Porosity; Defect detection; Carbon fiber; Ultrasonic method
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.34769

Several composite laminate structures with different stacking sequences were manufactured to study how the special orientation of the fibers can influence the porosity distribution in the material. Different amounts of porosity were introduced into the laminate during autoclave curing through the application of pressures that differed from the prescribed one. All of the obtained structures were analyzed by ultrasonic inspection to measure the attenuation undergone by the signal through crossing within the material. Subsequently, the attenuation variations were associated with the induced porosity. The obtained results were corroborated by an estimation of the percentage of porosity introduced into the composites structures through the application of a standard method for density measurement. The results prove that there are stacking sequences much more subject to trap air with the consequent formation of the porosity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011