The Effects of Plastic Media Blasting Paint Removal on the Microstructure of Graphite/Epoxy Composite Materials

Abstract

Plastic Media Blasting (PMB) has been assessed as a paint removal method for AS4/3501-6 and IM6/3501-6 graphite epoxy (Gr/Ep) composite materials. Microstructural effects on these composite materials were evaluated after repeated paint/blast cycles. Polyester (type I) and urea formaldehyde (type II) plastic media materials were used in a variety of blast conditions. Ultrasonic inspection, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the damage induced during paint removal. After one paint/blast cycle, most of the blast conditions caused little or no visual damage to the composite substrates. After four paint/blast cycles, several of the conditions caused minimal visual damage. Paint removal by sanding caused more visual damage after one paint removal cycle than any of the repeat blast conditions that were evaluated. Plastic media blasting, Graphite, Epoxy, Composite materials, Microstructure, Scanning electron microscopy, Optical microscopy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 07, 1988
Accession Number
ADA204801

Entities

People

  • Joseph Kozol
  • Kenneth Clark
  • Steven Thoman

Organizations

  • Human Engineering Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Composite Materials
  • Dwell Time
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Graphitic Materials
  • Helicopters
  • Laminates
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Microscopy
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Security
  • Tilt Rotor Aircraft

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics