1.1This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of thermosetting reinforced plastics using test specimens of uniform nominal width when tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and testing-machine speed.
Note 1:Experience with this test method to date has been limited to glass-reinforced thermosets. Applicability to other materials remains to be determined.
1.2This test method is used for testing materials of any thickness up to 14 mm (0.55 in.).
Note 2:This test method is not intended to cover precise physical procedures. It is recognized that the constant-rate-of-crosshead-movement type of test leaves much to be desired from a theoretical standpoint, that wide differences may exist between rate-of-crosshead movement and rate of strain between gauge marks on the specimen, and that the testing speeds specified disguise important effects characteristic of materials in the plastic state. Further, it is realized that variations in the thicknesses of test specimens that are permitted by these procedures, produce variations in the surface-volume ratios of such specimens, and that these variations may influence the test results. Hence, where directly comparable results are desired, all samples should be of equal thickness. Special additional tests should be used where more precise physical data are needed.
Note 3:Use of this test method for testing materials of thicknesses greater than 14 mm (0.55 in.) is not recommended. Reducing the thickness by machining may be acceptable for materials of uniform reinforcement amount and direction, but is generally not recommended.
1.3Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5This 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.
Note 4:This standard and ISO 527-4 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
(a)This test method does not include testing of the Type I dogbone shaped specimen described in ISO 527-4. Testing of this type of specimen, primarily used for reinforced and un-reinforced thermoplastic materials, is described in Test Method D638.
(b)The thickness of test specimens in this test method includes the 2 mm to 10 mm thickness range of ISO 527-4, but expands the allowable test thickness to 14 mm.
(c)ISO 527-4 allows for the use of holes in the tabs of the test specimen while this standard does not.
(d)The definitions for tensile strength and modulus differ between these two standards.
Note 5:For tensile properties of resin-matrix composites reinforced with oriented continuous or discontinuous high modulus > 20-GPa (> 3.0 × 106 -psi) fibers, tests shall be made in accordance with Test Method D3039/D3039M or ISO 527 Part 5.