Determination of the degree of crystallinity of the matrix of polymer matrix composites by wide-angle X-ray diffraction is discussed. An extensive theoretical review is given, and many of the practical difficulties are also discussed. Poly(ary1 ether ether ketone)-carbon fiber composites are used as example materials. It is shown that although wide-angle X-ray diffraction is potentially useful for unoriented samples, there are practical and theoretical difficulties in applying the technique to highly oriented materials.
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