ASTM D3171-15
Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials

Standard No.

ASTM D3171-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D3171-22

Latest

ASTM D3171-22

Scope

5.1 A constituent content of a composite material must be known in order to analytically model the material properties (mechanical, physical, thermal, or electrical) of the composite which are affected by the reinforcement or matrix. Also, knowledge of the constituent content is required for evaluation of the quality of a fabricated material and the processes used during fabrication.

5.2 The void volume of a composite material may significantly affect some of its mechanical properties. Higher void volumes usually mean lower fatigue resistance, greater susceptibility to moisture penetration and weathering, and increased variation or scatter in strength properties. Knowledge of the void volume of a composite material is desirable as an indication of the quality of a composite.

5.3 Reinforcement content may be used to normalize mechanical properties affected by amount of reinforcement in the coupon.

1.1 These test methods determine the constituent content of composite materials by one of two approaches. Test Method I physically removes the matrix by digestion or ignition or carbonization by one of eight procedures, leaving the reinforcement essentially unaffected and thus allowing calculation of reinforcement or matrix content (by weight or volume) as well as percent void volume. Test Method II, applicable only to laminate materials of known fiber areal weight, calculates reinforcement or matrix content (by weight or volume), and the cured ply thickness, based on the measured thickness of the laminate. Test Method II is not applicable to the measurement of void volume.

1.1.1 These test methods are primarily intended for two-part composite material systems. However, special provisions can be made to extend these test methods to filled material systems with more than two constituents, though not all test results can be determined in every case.

1.1.2 The procedures contained within have been designed to be particularly effective for certain classes of polymer or metal matrices. The suggested applications are discussed in Section 4, as well as at the start of each procedure.

1.1.3 Test Method I assumes that the reinforcement is essentially unaffected by the digestion or ignition medium or carbonization. A procedure for correction of the results for minor changes in the reinforcement is included. Procedures A through F are based on chemical removal of the matrix while Procedure G removes the matrix by igniting the matrix in a furnace. Procedure H carbonizes the matrix in a furnace.

1.1.4 Test Method II assumes that the fiber areal weight of the reinforcement material form is known or controlled to an acceptable tolerance. The presence of voids is not measured. Eq 15 and 16 assume zero void content to perform the calculation.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

ASTM D3171-15 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1505 Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
• ASTM D3878 Standard Terminology Composite Materials
• ASTM D5229/D5229M Standard Test Method for Moisture Absorption Properties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
• ASTM D792 Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
• ASTM D883 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM E12 
• ASTM E1309 Standard Guide for Identification of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials in Databases
• ASTM E177 Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods

ASTM D3171-15 history

• 2022 ASTM D3171-22 Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials
• 2015 ASTM D3171-15 Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials
• 2011 ASTM D3171-11 Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials
• 2009 ASTM D3171-09 Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials
• 2006 ASTM D3171-06 Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials
• 1999 ASTM D3171-99(2004) Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials
• 1999 ASTM D3171-99 Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials