Composite material testing helps manufacturers understand the properties of constituents that go into a finished composite product. Raw material test methods may include physical, thermal, and mechanical testing.
Testing the raw materials used to manufacture composites is an essential step in measuring whether the end material will be fit for purpose and insuring batch to batch consistency.
Composite Raw Materials Testing
Composite raw materials testing is useful for manufacturers to gain understanding of the physical properties of each constituent before combining. We offer a variety of measurement techniques for evaluating raw materials, including:
- Density testing
- Resin, fiber, and void content
- Volatile content
- Flow rate
- Fiber areal weight
- Pre-preg areal/Adhesive film weight
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Single lap shear
- Climbing drum peel and floating roller peel
Common Composite Constituents
Composites are made from two or more constituents with significantly different chemical or physical properties. Within the final structure, these constituent materials remain separate and distinct while influencing the endurance properties of the composite material.
The most common raw materials used are fibers, resins, pre-preg (or semi-processed materials), fillers and additives, adhesives, and core materials.
Understanding out time and shelf life
Many raw materials have a limited shelf life under cold storage conditions, and an even shorter useful life while being assembled at room temperature. The amount of time a material is at room temperature is often referred to as out time.
Our testing services help provide guidance for determining shelf life and out time for raw materials. Testing an expired material could result in data that supports an extension of shelf life.
The Element advantage in Composites Material Testing
Element’s global network of laboratories provide physical, thermal, and mechanical testing for a range of constituent materials, pre-impregnates, and adhesives. Whether testing to a specific standard or developing a custom program, our composites testing experts can provide you with accurate, reliable results.
For more information about our composite raw material testing services or to request a quote, contact us today.
Related Services
Polymers Testing
Element performs a range of mechanical, electrical, flammability tests and utilizes thermal analysis tests to characterize the composition of polymers and composite materials.
Shear Testing of Composites
Our composite testing experts provide shear testing methods including interlaminar, in-plane, and v-notch to measure the shear properties of your material.
Qualification of the Properties of New Composite Materials
When any new composite material is developed, it requires much more testing than traditional materials. The properties of the new composite need to be carefully determined.
Thermal, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials
There is a range of test methods that can help to qualify and quantify the different properties of composite materials, including thermal, mechanical, and physical tests.