Size-Resolved Characterization of Particles and Fibers Released during Abrasion of Fiber-Reinforced Composite in a Workplace Influenced by Ambient Background Sources

10.4209/aaqr.2015.05.0295

Kirsten I. Kling；Marcus Levin；Alexander C.Ø. Jensen；Keld A. Jensen；Ismo K. Koponen

Fiber mats ； Particle identification ； Epoxy ； Production emission ； HR-TEM

Aerosol and Air Quality Research

16卷1期（2016 / 01 / 01）

11 - 24

英文

We demonstrate the use of high- to low-resolution microscopy and particle chemical analysis during normal vacuum and cryo-conditions to identify the nature and relative abundances of process-generated particles and fibers from sanding of a glass and carbon fiber epoxy layer-composite in a workplace influenced by both indoor and ambient background sources. The study suggests that a proper exposure characterization requires multiple techniques covering wide size ranges to reach a conclusion. Besides a rise in number concentration due to release of particles during the sanding, a significant contribution of ambient particles to the background in the production facility was observed in the sub-micron size range. Fibers are posing a dominant exposure risk in the micron size range, with carbon fibers dominating in count.