Open Access

Heinrich Dinnebier, Ingo Ehrlich

• 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 gainsPurpose: 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.…