ASTM D3531/D3531M-11

This test method is used to obtain the resin flow of carbon fiber-epoxy prepreg tape or sheet material. It is suitable for comparing lots of material of supposedly the same characteristics and also for comparative evaluation of materials produced by different vendors using different resin-fiber combinations.

Composite parts are laminated from prepreg material at various pressures and temperatures. Production process design will require a flow test be run at a temperature and a pressure close to that of the actual molding conditions. All methods of measuring resin flow are dependent on the size and geometry of the specimen. This test method uses the smallest quantity of tape that will give reproducible results.

The percent resin flow of a single fiber and resin system at a temperature and pressure varies with the volatile content, degree of advancement of epoxy resin, and with the resin content of the prepreg tape or sheet.

As volatile content and degree of resin cure (advancement) change with time, this test method is useful in comparing the life of prepreg tape and sheet.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of resin flow that will take place from prepreg tape or sheet under given conditions of temperature and pressure.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.2.1 Within the text, inch-pound units are shown in brackets.

1.3 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.