Analysis of Composite Microporosity according to Autoclave Vacuum Bag Processing Conditions

Abstract

The composite material has the advantage that the fibers can be arranged in a desired direction and can be manufactured in one piece. However, micro voids can be formed due to micro air, moisture or improper curing temperature or pressure, which may cause the deterioration in mechanical strength. In this paper, the composite panels with different thicknesses were made by varying the curing pressure in an autoclave vacuum bag process and their microporosities were evaluated. Microporosity was measured by image analysis method, acid digestion method, and combustion method and their correlation with ultrasonic attenuation coefficient was analyzed. From the test results, it was found that the acid digestion method had the highest accuracy and the lower the curing pressure, the higher the microporosity and the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient. In addition, the microporosity and the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient were increased as the thickness of the composite panel was increased at the same curing pressure.