Simultaneous determination of aramid fibre and polymeric matrices in advanced composites

The use of a differential thermogravimetric analysis (dTG) as an approach to the measurement of the amount of organic reinforcement in a polymer is proposed. The dTG technique described is directly applicable to the determination of polymer/organic reinforcement concentrations in conventional laminates and laminates that include both organic and inorganic reinforcements. Since coefficient of thermal expansion values for laminates are a function of composition, this approach offers a solution to the difficult determination of aramid fibres in an organic matrix and makes control of precise composition composites easier. 2 ref.--J.L.B.