Optimization of fiber measurements performed by X-ray computed tomography to predict the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymeric components

The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) depend significantly on the geometrical characteristics of fibers, including orientation, length and volume fraction. The conventional methods used to analyze such characteristics often involve the use of destructive and time-consuming techniques. In this context, X-ray computed tomography (CT) offers the advantage of performing a complete and non-destructive analysis of fibers. This work focuses on the optimization of CT fiber measurements to predict the mechanical properties of FRP components accurately. In particular, the proposed optimization procedure includes the use of reference samples similar to actual industrial FRP components to assess and correct systematic errors and determine the uncertainty of CT fiber measurements. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of injection-molded glass-fiber-reinforced specimens was successfully predicted from the improved CT characterization with a deviation below 7% of the experimental UTS.