Laminate Test Strategy

Laminates contain different reinforcement materials (woven/non-woven glass/organic fibers, expanded PTFE, etc.), resin types (phenolic, epoxy, cyanate ester, polyimide, BT, etc.), resin formulations (blended, functionality, etc.), hardeners (dicyanodiamide [dicy],phenol-novolak, cresol-novolak, p-aminophenol, isocyanurate, etc.), and sometimes fUler particles (ceramic or organic). The ratio of aU of these individual components can vary widely.To define a test strategy for laminates, it is important to understand the different main components of the materials as well as the conditions during manufacturing, as these wiU have a large influence on their properties and quality. 

The qualification procedure proposed in this chapter follows a two-tier test strategy that enables quick decisions during a material qualification program. The first set of tests is easy to perform and focuses on key properties that should be evaluated when testing a new laminate material. Failure to pass any of them will likely result in rejection of a material for manufacturing. If multiple materials are being evaluated, the first tests will allow the easy elimination of the least probable candidates. 

Robinson P, Das S. Mode I DCB testing of composite laminates reinforced with z-direction pins a simple model for the investigation of data reduction strategies. Eng Fract Mech 2004 71 345-64. http //dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7944(03)00116-4. 

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