ASTM D3530/D3530M-97

Standard Test Method for Volatiles Content of Composite Material Prepreg

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the volatiles content of epoxy-matrix prepreg tape and sheet. The reinforcement material type is limited to those which are substantially unaffected by the temperature selected for use in removing volatiles from the matrix material.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1989
• ICS: 83.120 - Reinforced plastics
• Technical Committee: D30 - Composite Materials
• Drafting Committee: D30.03 - Constituent/Precursor Properties

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D3530/D3530M-97(2003) - Standard Test Method for Volatiles Content of Composite Material Prepreg
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 3530/D 3530M – 97
Standard Test Method for
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Volatiles Content of Composite Material Prepreg
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3530/D 3530M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
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1. Scope NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the vola-
3. Terminology
tiles content, in weight percent of composite material prepregs.
3.1 Definitions—Terminology D 3878 defines terms relating
This standard focuses on composites with thermosetting resins
to composite materials. Terminology D 883 defines terms
that tend to lose a few percent of the matrix mass when heated
relating to plastics. Practice E 177 defines terms relating to
due to loss of both retained water and low molecular weight
statistics. In the event of a conflict between terms, Terminology
matrix constituents that volatilize during heating.
D 3878 shall have precedence over other documents.
1.2 Use of this test method is limited to maximum tempera-
3.1.1 prepreg, n—the admixture of fibrous reinforcement
ture of circulating air ovens (approximately 300°C).
and polymeric matrix used to fabricate composite materials. Its
1.3 Use of this test method is limited to temperatures below
form may be sheet, tape or tow. See Terminology D 3878.
which the matrix flows from the reinforcement.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2.1 Volatiles Content, n—the amount of volatiles present
standard.
in a prepreg expressed as a weight percent.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.3 Symbols:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.3.1 M —the initial mass of the sample.
i
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3.2 M —the mass of the sample after oven exposure.
f
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.3.3 V —the weight percent volatiles content.
c
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
tionary statements are given in Section 8.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Specimens of prepreg are weighed and then exposed to
2. Referenced Documents
elevated temperature, equal to the nominal cure or consolida-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 tion temperature of the material, in an air circulating oven to
Relating to Plastics
remove the volatiles. The exposed samples are reweighed and
D 3529/D 3529M Test Method for Matrix Solids Content
3 the percent change in weight expressed as volatiles content.
and Matrix Content of Composite Prepreg
D 3878 Terminology of High-Modulus Reinforcing Fibers
5. Significance and Use
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and Their Composites
5.1 This test method is used to obtain the volatiles content
E 177 Practice for Use of Terms Precision and Bias in
of composite material prepreg. Knowledge of the volatiles
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ASTM Methods
content is useful in developing optimum manufacturing pro-
E 1309 Guide for the Identification of Composite Materials
cesses.
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in Computerized Material Property Databases
5.2 The volatiles content is determined after exposure to the
2.2 NFPA Standard:
nominal cure or consolidation temperature.
6. Interferences
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-30 on 6.1 Airflow—The amount of measured volatiles may be
Composites and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.03 on Constituent/
increased or decreased by changing the velocity of airflow.
Precursor Properties.
Since airflow in most ovens is not linear in each part, a
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1997. Published May 1998. Originally
velometer should be used to measure airflow where samples
published as D 3530 – 76. Last previous edition D 3530/D 3530M – 90.
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
are placed. Samples should be placed only in positions of
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.01.
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Available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 3530/D 3530M
known airflow so that results may be repeatable. Use of baffles calibration documentation shall be available for inspecti
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