Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
https://revistapolimeros.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/0104-1428.20250036
Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
Review Article

A review of non-destructive testing for polymeric composites: techniques, challenges, and advances

Ingrid Regina dos Santos Lacerda; Michelle Leali Costa; Mirabel Cerqueira Rezende

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0104-1428.20250036 Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia, vol.36, n1, e20260007, 2026
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Abstract

Polymeric composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers are widely used in the aeronautical, automotive, energy, and marine industries due to their excellent mechanical properties and low density. However, these materials are susceptible to defects introduced during manufacturing or service life, requiring reliable non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to ensure quality and structural integrity. Despite the widespread application of NDT , the literature lacks a critical and comparative overview of their limitations, and suitability for composites. This review provides an analysis of the main NDT methods for polymeric composites, including ultrasonic, X-ray, thermography, and microcomputed tomography testing. The study highlights the advantages and challenges of each method, discussing their suitability for different defect types. The findings indicate that combining multiple NDT methods enhances defect detection reliability, addressing the limitations of individual methods. This study provides a reference for researchers and engineers, supporting advancements in material inspection and structural health monitoring.

 

 

Keywords

non-destructive testing, microcomputed tomography, thermography, ultrasonic inspection, X-ray

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