Content Analysis for Composite Materials by ASTM D3171

Intertek tests composite materials constituent content, using ASTM D3171.

Content analysis for composite materials ASTM D3171 scope:
The test method ASTM D3171 provides two procedures for determining constituent content of composite materials. Method I removes the matrix by digestion or ignition. Method II is only for laminates and uses calculations based on thickness. The test is typically intended for two component materials.

Test procedure:
For method I, three specimens are machined from customer supplied product. The specimens are dried and cooled. The density of the test specimens is then determined per ASTM D792. The specimens are then placed in an appropriate dissolution medium and heated/refluxed until all of the organic material is dissolved. The resulting solution is then filtered and the amount of remaining fiber is determined. From the specimen density, constituent densities, and the fiber content, the reinforcement content, matrix content, and void content can then be determined.

Data:
From the specimen density, constituent densities, and the fiber content, the reinforcement content, matrix content, and void content can then be determined.