Kinetic analysis of the thermal decomposition of a carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy resin laminate

Kinetic decomposition model of a carbon-reinforced epoxy laminate (T700/M21 composite) applied to aircraft structures were determined from specific techniques. Data obtained from the thermogravimetric (TG) experiment coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and combined with the NETZSCH Thermokinetics numerical tool were used to determine a comprehensive kinetic model. Experimental and numerical approaches were thus coupled to determine the decomposition mechanism of a partially unknown composite (T700/M21). Using Thermokinetics, a multi-step reactions kinetic model was established based on the TG and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) results. It is composed of two main competitive reaction, e.g. n(th) order and autocatalytic reactions). New approach combining TG-FTIR-Thermokinetics is proposed to make kinetic analysis of complex carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composite (mixture of epoxy resins blended with different thermoplastic polymers).