Analysis of Strain and Stress in Ceramic, Polymer and Metal Matrix Composites by Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

Raman scattering is a unique tool providing information on the structure and short-range order of matter. Stress-induced Raman shifts can be used to determine the stress/strain in films, fibres, particulate composites and, more generally, in any phase a few microns or more in scale. Quantitative results follow from a wavenumber calibration as a function of tensile strains or pressures applied to reference fibres or crystals. Furthermore, if the material is coloured, (near) resonant Raman scattering occurs, which enhances the scattered light intensity and simplifies the spectra – especially for harmonics – but drastically reduces the analysed volume (in-depth penetration ∼10–100 nm). This paper discusses the effective and potential advantages/drawbacks of Raman micro-spectrometry technique. The procedures to improve the sensitivity, the legibility and the reliability will be addressed. Examples will be chosen among (aramid, C, SiC) fibre- reinforced ceramic (CMCs), polymer (PMCs) or metal matrix (MMCs) composites.