Abstract
Three different methods of obtaining the infrared spectrum of carbon-epoxy prepreg for quality control purposes are critically evaluated with respect to their suitability for quantitative analysis. They are: transmission using a cast film of resin, attenuated total reflection (ATR) using prepreg, and diffuse reflection (DR) using prepreg. The cast film method is subject to significant error resulting from nonuniform film thickness; careful sample preparation is necessary in order to obtain acceptable results. The ATR method is faster and easier to use than the transmission method and gives more reproducible results; the use of a 45° germanium prism is recommended. The DR method is not suitable for quantitative work because of complications arising from front-surface reflection effects; it can be very useful, however, as a qualitative method.
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