Application of Low-Coherence Reflexometry in Estimating the Effect of Microwave Electromagnetic on the Structure of Cured Polymer Composites

Abstract

Using the results on the structural changes of cured carbon-, glass-, and organic plastics subjected a microvave electromagnetic field, by the method of low-coherence reflexometry, it is found out that the radiation intensity absorbed by the material decreases on average by 15%, 9,4% and 8,4%, respectively, which is indicated by the increased material structure density. It is argued that the influence of the microwave treatment on the filler-free binder is insignificant. The results obtianed objectively indicate a decrease in the number of defects (cracks, delaminations, pores, etc.) and a respective increase of the structure density of cured polymer composite materials processed with microwave electromagneticfield radiation.