Prepreg Analysis:-Standard suit of tests for prepreg prior to moulding
Resin Content: Usually using solvent wash to remove resin and leave the fibre
Fibre Content: remaining when resin removed
Flow: The ability of the resin system to move just before it Gels so that it is able to wet out the fibres and to bond between layers of a laminate. Good QC tool for ageing resin systems
Volatiles: Determination of the lower boiling point solvents
Resin Gel time: The time the resin takes to reach a gel point
Panel Fibre content ,fibre volume and void content
Using burn off:- This is used a lot with glass fibre /resin systems. The resin is burnt off and the fibre cooled and weighed. Standards such as ASTM D2584
and BS 2782 Pt10 M1002 loss by ignition.
Acid Digestion: Used a lot with carbon fibre systems. The resin is dissolved in boiling sulphuric acid and then oxidised. The remaining fibres are dried and weighed . Standards such as ASTM D3171
Adapted Digestion : used for kevlar fibre and thermoplastic fibre systems .
Density:-Using a variety of techniques Such as BS903-A1 (ISO 2781)
Colour: Using a range of spectrometers
Melt flow rates : for a range of materials. Standards such as ASTM D1238 ,ISO 1133, BS2782 Pt7 method 720,BS EN ISO 1133
Wear testing: a variety of loads and substrates
Hardness Testing: A wide range of Hardness tests using different indenters
Compression set: A range of both temperatures and setting can be used. Standards such as BS903-A6, ISO815, BS ISO 815-1 Ambient+
Medical: BS ISO 11948-1 Urine-absorbing aids, Part 1 Whole product testing
Permeability testing: A range of tests available
Soil Testing: Physical and chemical tests available
Viscosity: Determination the viscosity of oil using a range of techniques including a Redwood Viscometer.
