S-XCT experimental determination of local contact angle and meniscus shape in liquid moulding of composites

Abstract In-situ spontaneous wicking experiments were scanned using Synchrotron X-ray Computed Tomography (S-XCT) to study the meniscus shape at the fibre scale. To this end, a single tow of E-glass fibers was impregnated with a commercial epoxy resin by using a wicking fixture specially designed for such purpose. The high resolution of the S-XCT images recorded ( 0 . 325 μ m /pixel) allowed the direct access to the surface of the individual menisci formed between fibres and permitted a direct quantification of the contact angle as well as the local curvature measurement. The contact angle values measured were in good agreement with values reported in the literature. The experimental methodology employed was also compared with numerical results obtained using a surface minimization approach. The results obtained with the simulation tool, in terms of effective capillary pressure and meniscus shape, were in good agreement with the experimental data reported.