Tensile Testing of Filament

Initially, all carbon fiber tensile testing was by filament testing procedures and was ideal for research work, requiring small quanitities of sample material and giving an answer in about 30 min. 

A method not used by the author for testing filaments is Sinclair s loop test (Supplement 1 at the end of this Chapter). The procedure has been replaced by some form of tow testing, except when testing oxidized PAN fiber, where filament testing is standard procedure. 

Before any testing is undertaken, the tensile test machine must be level, carefully aligned axially and calibrated. When testing filaments, technicians with smooth hands are preferable for this work and girls tend to be better, whilst ex-hairdressers tend to be ideal. 

1 Determination of compiiance of the tensiie test machine system 

7= total extension extrapolated from load-time curve, mm 

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