The role of matrix boundary in the microstructure of unidirectional composites

Finding new ways to evaluate the variability of microstructures, and its effect on macroscopic properties such as permeability and mechanical performance [1,2] is of increasing interest in the composite field. The variability of microstructural features at a three-dimensional level is not fully understood and its effect on macroscale properties...

Methodology for the identification of hydrogen gas permeation path in damaged laminates

The main bottleneck of using composites for cryogenic storage of clean hydrogen fuel is the permeation of gas molecules. In this work, the permeation of hydrogen gas through thermally cycled thermoplastic composite laminates with two different stacking sequence is investigated. The experimental study is based on a methodology of cryogenically...

Characterising microstructural organisation in unidirectional composites

Understanding the three-dimensional variability of unidirectional composites is relevant to the material performance and the development of advanced material modelling strategies. This work proposes a new methodology for the characterization of unidirectional composites, showcased on carbon fibre/poly(ether-ether-ketone) tapes. Three...