1504 2014 eng 14 20 1 67 article 0 -- -- -- Purpose: A route to manufacture porous carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for study purposes is described. Design/methodology/approach: The porous CFRP is characterized using standard techniques such as matrix digestion as well as the more sophisticated method of high resolution Microfocus X-Ray Tomography (μCT). A comparison of the results of those methods is presented. The mass gains of specimens with a wide range of porosity have been measured both in constant humidity and in alternating environments. Findings: It could be shown that severe temperature changes can temporarily increase the moisture content of porous CFRP. However, after the return to a constant environment, the moisture content returns back to saturation levels. Furthermore, it could be shown by X-Ray Tomography that even under severe climatic conditions no permanent liquid water condensates inside the pores. Research limitations/implications: Using Microfocus Computed Tomography it could be shown that even after nearly a year under hot-wet conditions and more than 150 severe temperature cycles there is no liquid water detectable inside the pores. Originality/value: In this paper the effects of severe temperature changes and high humidity on porous CFRP. Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (JAMME) Heinrich Dinnebier Ingo Ehrlich Ingenieurwissenschaften und zugeordnete Tätigkeiten Fakultät Maschinenbau Technologie-Campus Neustadt an der Donau Ehrlich, Ingo (Prof. Dr.) - Labor Faserverbundtechnik Technologie-Campus Neustadt a. d. Donau (Prof. Ehrlich+ Prof. Nonn) Labor Faserverbundtechnik (LFT) Materialien und Produktion