This test method is used to obtain the volatiles content of composite material prepreg. Knowledge of the volatiles content is useful in developing optimum manufacturing processes.

The volatiles content is determined after exposure to the nominal cure or consolidation temperature.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the volatiles content, in weight percent of composite material prepregs. This standard focuses on composites with thermosetting resins that tend to lose a few percent of the matrix mass when heated due to loss of both retained water and low molecular weight matrix constituents that volatilize during heating.

1.2 Use of this test method is limited to maximum temperature of circulating air ovens (approximately 300°C).

1.3 Use of this test method is limited to temperatures below which the matrix flows from the reinforcement.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials

E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods

E1309 Guide for Identification of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials in Databases

NFPA Standard

Keywords

composite materials; prepreg; volatiles content; Carbon fiber-epoxy prepregs; Volatile matter content;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.120 (Reinforced plastics)

Citing ASTM Standards

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