ABSTRACT
The characterization of materials is a key stage for quality control and successive research and development. The structure–property correlation is a relatively complex phenomenon in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites when compared to their conventional metallic counterparts. Environmental conditioning alters the polymer matrix and the existing interface/interphase; hence, the proper evaluation of material properties and microstructure through a proper characterization tool is an important concern. In this regard, the present chapter contains the details about various mechanical tests, which are frequently conducted on FRP composites to glean the information about strength and stiffness on different types of loadings. Thermal and thermomechanical tests have been discussed. The characterization of failure surface through a scanning electron microscope, and the characterization of topographic and local mechanical properties in composites using an atomic force microscope have also been discussed. Environmental conditioning sometimes alters the chemical bonding characteristics in the polymeric materials, which can be detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This characterization tool has also been presented.
