Table 1.

Analytical methods for determining particle distribution in composites manufactured by RTM.

Method	Abbreviation	Main Area of Use	Advantages	Disadvantages
transmission electron microscopy	TEM	fully cured parts	qualitative analysis	sample preparation
scanning electron microscopy	SEM	fully cured parts	qualitative analysis	sample preparation
wavelength dispersive spectrometry	SEM/WDS	fully cured parts	qualitative/quantitative analysis	sample preparation
electron probe microanalysis	SEM/EPMA	fully cured parts	qualitative/quantitative analysis	sample preparation
burn-off	-	fully cured parts	quantitative analysis	total calcination
X-ray computed tomography	X-ray CT	uncured/cured parts	non-destructive	small specimens
confocal fluorescence microscopy	CFM	uncured/cured parts	large experimental areas	lower resolution than SEM, autofluorescence, fluorescent particle needed
confocal laser scanning microscopy	CLSM	uncured/cured parts	more information about fibres than in case of CRI	lower resolution than CRI
confocal Raman imaging	CRI	uncured/cured parts	chemical map, small particles detected	time consuming, fluorescent noise