MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1,Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization CHAPTER 5 PREPREG MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION 5.1 INTRODUCTION The processability and properties of high performance composites depend upon the composition of the fiber/resin preimpregnated materials (prepregs)from which they are manufactured.In general,pre- pregs consist of "modified"or surface-treated glass,graphite,or aramid fibers impregnated with 28-60 weight-percent of a reactive and chemically-complex thermoset resin formulation or a thermoplastic resin. A typical thermoset resin formulation may contain,for example,several different types of epoxy resins, curing agents,diluents,rubber modifiers,thermoplastic additives,accelerators or catalysts,residual sol- vents,and inorganic materials,plus various impurities and synthetic by-products.Furthermore,such res- ins are often "staged"or partially reacted during the prepregging process and may undergo compositional changes during transport,handling,and storage.Although less likely to undergo compositional changes polymer molecular weight(MW),molecular weight distribution(MWD),and crystalline morphology have major effects on the processability and properties of thermoplastic prepregs and composites.Inadvertent or minor changes in resin composition may cause problems in processing and have deleterious effects on the performance and long-term properties of composites. Modern analytical techniques and detailed knowledge relating to fibers,fiber surface treatments,and resin types and formulations are needed to characterize prepregs and composite materials.Characteri- zation involves the identification and quantification of the fiber,fiber surface,and major resin components and should include information about the presence of impurities or contaminants.For thermoset resins and composites,characterization should include a description of the nature and extent of the prepreg resin reaction and the thermal/rheological and thermal/mechanical behavior.In the case of thermoplas- tics,the polymer molecular weight distribution,crystallinity,and time/temperature viscosity profile should also be analyzed.However.few laboratories are equipped or have the knowledgeable technical person- nel to characterize prepregs and composites completely,and few studies have been published describing how variations in fiber type and resin chemistry/morphology affect the physical properties and long-term performance of composites.Also,until recently,prepreg compositions were considered proprietary,proc- essing conditions were only recommended,and acceptance was based primarily upon mechanical testing of fabricated specimens.The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of characterization tech- niques and,more specifically,to address the application of state-of-the-art techniques for the chemical and physical characterization of resins and prepreg materials used in the manufacture of high perform- ance organic matrix composites. 5.2 CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES-OVERVIEW According to a recent survey(Reference 5.2(a)),the most widely utilized techniques for the charac- terization and quality assurance of composite material precursors are- 1.High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) 2.Infrared(IR)Spectroscopy 3. Thermal Analysis 4.Rheological Analysis HPLC and IR spectroscopy provide the capability for rapid screening and quality control fingerprinting of individual resin constituents as well as of the prepreg resin and,therefore,may be used advanta- geously by both the prepregger and composite manufacturer(References 5.2(b)-(f)).Thermal analytical techniques,such as thermal gravimetrical analysis(TGA),differential thermal analysis(DTA),differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),thermal mechanical analysis (TMA),dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and torsional braid analysis (TBA)are not strictly chemical analysis techniques;however,they provide useful information relating to the composition and processability of resins (Reference 5.2(g)).Similarly, rheological and dielectric techniques are used frequently to evaluate the chemoviscosity properties of 5-1
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1, Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 5-1 CHAPTER 5 PREPREG MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION 5.1 INTRODUCTION The processability and properties of high performance composites depend upon the composition of the fiber/resin preimpregnated materials (prepregs) from which they are manufactured. In general, prepregs consist of "modified" or surface-treated glass, graphite, or aramid fibers impregnated with 28-60 weight-percent of a reactive and chemically-complex thermoset resin formulation or a thermoplastic resin. A typical thermoset resin formulation may contain, for example, several different types of epoxy resins, curing agents, diluents, rubber modifiers, thermoplastic additives, accelerators or catalysts, residual solvents, and inorganic materials, plus various impurities and synthetic by-products. Furthermore, such resins are often "staged" or partially reacted during the prepregging process and may undergo compositional changes during transport, handling, and storage. Although less likely to undergo compositional changes, polymer molecular weight (MW), molecular weight distribution (MWD), and crystalline morphology have major effects on the processability and properties of thermoplastic prepregs and composites. Inadvertent or minor changes in resin composition may cause problems in processing and have deleterious effects on the performance and long-term properties of composites. Modern analytical techniques and detailed knowledge relating to fibers, fiber surface treatments, and resin types and formulations are needed to characterize prepregs and composite materials. Characterization involves the identification and quantification of the fiber, fiber surface, and major resin components and should include information about the presence of impurities or contaminants. For thermoset resins and composites, characterization should include a description of the nature and extent of the prepreg resin reaction and the thermal/rheological and thermal/mechanical behavior. In the case of thermoplastics, the polymer molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, and time/temperature viscosity profile should also be analyzed. However, few laboratories are equipped or have the knowledgeable technical personnel to characterize prepregs and composites completely, and few studies have been published describing how variations in fiber type and resin chemistry/morphology affect the physical properties and long-term performance of composites. Also, until recently, prepreg compositions were considered proprietary, processing conditions were only recommended, and acceptance was based primarily upon mechanical testing of fabricated specimens. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of characterization techniques and, more specifically, to address the application of state-of-the-art techniques for the chemical and physical characterization of resins and prepreg materials used in the manufacture of high performance organic matrix composites. 5.2 CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES - OVERVIEW According to a recent survey (Reference 5.2(a)), the most widely utilized techniques for the characterization and quality assurance of composite material precursors are - 1. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) 2. Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy 3. Thermal Analysis 4. Rheological Analysis HPLC and IR spectroscopy provide the capability for rapid screening and quality control fingerprinting of individual resin constituents as well as of the prepreg resin and, therefore, may be used advantageously by both the prepregger and composite manufacturer (References 5.2(b) - (f)). Thermal analytical techniques, such as thermal gravimetrical analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and torsional braid analysis (TBA) are not strictly chemical analysis techniques; however, they provide useful information relating to the composition and processability of resins (Reference 5.2(g)). Similarly, rheological and dielectric techniques are used frequently to evaluate the chemoviscosity properties of
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1,Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization thermoset resins during cure(Reference 5.2(h)),and there is increasing interest in applying such tech- niques for process monitoring and process control of both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Many of the chemical and physical analytical techniques described in Chapter 4 are also applicable to the characterization of prepreg materials.HPLC,IR spectroscopy,thermal analytical techniques and rheological methods are described in Section 5.5. 5.3 SAMPLING Prepregs are commonly described by the purchaser's requirements which may include the manufac- turer's trade name,resin type (e.g.,250F)and lot number,fiber type and form(tape,fabric,roving,etc.), prepreg lot and roll numbers,and date of manufacture.The shipping date and expected shelf life are also usually designated along with recommended processing conditions.Generally,prepregs are shipped as rolls of impregnated woven fabric or unidirectional tape.(Typical widths are 38"(~97 cm)for woven ara- mid and glass,42"(~107 cm)for woven graphite,and 12"(~30 cm)for tapes.)The prepreg layers are separated by thin,removable plastic or coated paper films which are removed when the prepregs are analyzed. To check uniformity,it is recommended that sections be cut from the center and each side of the front-end(first off)of designated prepreg rolls.The amount and number of samples required for a particu- lar analysis or test depends upon the homogeneity of the resin and the uniformity of the prepreg fibers. For some techniques,such as HPLC,0.5 to 2.0 grams of prepreg may be needed to provide a represen- tative sample.Other techniques (e.g.,DSC)which utilize relatively small specimens(10 to 20 milligrams) may demand multiple specimens to provide an"average"value or test result. Care must be taken not to contaminate or in any way alter samples during handling and storage.The samples should be placed in clean,dry,sealable containers and be carefully labeled.The containers must not react with the samples and precautions must be taken not to expose the prepregs to moisture nor allow them to stand unrefrigerated for long periods of time.For reactive prepreg resins such as epox- ies,it is recommended that the prepregs be stored in hermetically sealed packaging at-0F(-18C). Upon removing the containers from cold storage,they should be allowed to achieve room temperature before opening to prevent condensation of moisture on the samples. 5.4 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTY TESTS 5.4.1 Physical description of reinforcement The physical description of the reinforcement used in a composite should be described using the standard definitions of ASTM D 3878(Reference 5.4.1).The filaments in the prepreg should be uniformly wetted by the resin.No particulates should be observable upon visual examination. 5.4.1.1 Alignment In unidirectional prepregs,the filament bundles must be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the prepreg within an angle of 0.5 when examined visually using appropriate aids to measure angular align- ment. 5.4.1.2Gaps Any gap within or between filament bundles in unidirectional prepregs generally should comply with the specifications.General guidelines are provided as follows: a.No gap should exceed 0.030 inch(0.76 mm)in width. 5-2
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1, Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 5-2 thermoset resins during cure (Reference 5.2(h)), and there is increasing interest in applying such techniques for process monitoring and process control of both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Many of the chemical and physical analytical techniques described in Chapter 4 are also applicable to the characterization of prepreg materials. HPLC, IR spectroscopy, thermal analytical techniques and rheological methods are described in Section 5.5. 5.3 SAMPLING Prepregs are commonly described by the purchaser's requirements which may include the manufacturer's trade name, resin type (e.g., 250°F) and lot number, fiber type and form (tape, fabric, roving, etc.), prepreg lot and roll numbers, and date of manufacture. The shipping date and expected shelf life are also usually designated along with recommended processing conditions. Generally, prepregs are shipped as rolls of impregnated woven fabric or unidirectional tape. (Typical widths are 38" (~97 cm) for woven aramid and glass, 42" (~107 cm) for woven graphite, and 12" (~30 cm) for tapes.) The prepreg layers are separated by thin, removable plastic or coated paper films which are removed when the prepregs are analyzed. To check uniformity, it is recommended that sections be cut from the center and each side of the front-end (first off) of designated prepreg rolls. The amount and number of samples required for a particular analysis or test depends upon the homogeneity of the resin and the uniformity of the prepreg fibers. For some techniques, such as HPLC, 0.5 to 2.0 grams of prepreg may be needed to provide a representative sample. Other techniques (e.g., DSC) which utilize relatively small specimens (10 to 20 milligrams) may demand multiple specimens to provide an "average" value or test result. Care must be taken not to contaminate or in any way alter samples during handling and storage. The samples should be placed in clean, dry, sealable containers and be carefully labeled. The containers must not react with the samples and precautions must be taken not to expose the prepregs to moisture nor allow them to stand unrefrigerated for long periods of time. For reactive prepreg resins such as epoxies, it is recommended that the prepregs be stored in hermetically sealed packaging at -0°F (-18°C). Upon removing the containers from cold storage, they should be allowed to achieve room temperature before opening to prevent condensation of moisture on the samples. 5.4 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTY TESTS 5.4.1 Physical description of reinforcement The physical description of the reinforcement used in a composite should be described using the standard definitions of ASTM D 3878 (Reference 5.4.1). The filaments in the prepreg should be uniformly wetted by the resin. No particulates should be observable upon visual examination. 5.4.1.1 Alignment In unidirectional prepregs, the filament bundles must be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the prepreg within an angle of 0.5° when examined visually using appropriate aids to measure angular alignment. 5.4.1.2 Gaps Any gap within or between filament bundles in unidirectional prepregs generally should comply with the specifications. General guidelines are provided as follows: a. No gap should exceed 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) in width
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1,Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization b.The length of any portion of the gap with an average width of 0.030 inch(0.76)should not exceed 24 inches (0.61 m). c.Gaps in line with each other and no more than one inch(25 mm)apart should be considered as one gap,regardless of number. d.Gaps with excessive width or length should be considered defective and will be the basis for flag- ging or replacing the prepreg. 5.4.1.3 Width Width tolerance for unidirectional prepreg tape should be as specified,typically t0.030 inch(0.76 mm). 5.4.1.4 Length The length of each roll of prepreg should be provided.Limits on the length of prepreg on any single roll should be specified.Alternatively,suppliers and users may agree on limits for the prepreg weight or area per roll. 5.4.1.5 Edges Acceptable waviness of edges should be specified.A typical acceptance value for any 12-inch(30- cm)length of tape should be 0.030 inch(0.76 mm)from the edge when measured with an appropriate straight edge 5.4.1.6 Splices Prepreg splices may be permitted on any roll of tape where processing is continuous without change in fiber or resin batch.Such splices should be appropriately marked as a nonconforming area. 5.4.2 Resin content The resin content of prepregs may be determined by extracting the resin from the prepreg fibers us- ing a solvent in which the resin material is fully soluble and the fibers are not dissolved.Soxhlet extrac- tion procedures are described in ASTM C 613(Reference 5.4.2(a)).Procedures for determining the resin content of carbon fiber-epoxy prepregs are provided in ASTM D 3529(Reference 5.4.2(b)).Special pro- cedures and solvents may be required to extract high molecular weight or thermoplastic resins.An alter- nate procedure for determining the resin content in epoxy resin prepregs is outlined in Section 5.5.1. 5.4.3 Fiber content Procedures used to determine resin content often provide information about the fiber content of pre- pregs.Alternatively,acid digestion methods(ASTM D 3171)may be applied to remove the matrix resin from the fibers as long as the fibers are not degraded(Reference 5.4.3).Digestion methods are not pre- ferred for graphite and aramid fiber prepregs since such fibers are subject to oxidative degradation.Sec- tion 5.5.1 describes a procedure for determining the fiber and resin contents of glass,carbon,and aramid fiber/epoxy resin prepregs. 5.4.4 Volatiles content The volatiles content of prepregs may be determined by ASTM D 3530(Reference 5.4.4).Thermo- gravimetric analysis(TGA)may also be applied to estimate weight percent volatiles in a prepreg. 5-3
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1, Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 5-3 b. The length of any portion of the gap with an average width of 0.030 inch (0.76) should not exceed 24 inches (0.61 m). c. Gaps in line with each other and no more than one inch (25 mm) apart should be considered as one gap, regardless of number. d. Gaps with excessive width or length should be considered defective and will be the basis for flagging or replacing the prepreg. 5.4.1.3 Width Width tolerance for unidirectional prepreg tape should be as specified, typically ±0.030 inch (0.76 mm). 5.4.1.4 Length The length of each roll of prepreg should be provided. Limits on the length of prepreg on any single roll should be specified. Alternatively, suppliers and users may agree on limits for the prepreg weight or area per roll. 5.4.1.5 Edges Acceptable waviness of edges should be specified. A typical acceptance value for any 12-inch (30- cm) length of tape should be 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) from the edge when measured with an appropriate straight edge. 5.4.1.6 Splices Prepreg splices may be permitted on any roll of tape where processing is continuous without change in fiber or resin batch. Such splices should be appropriately marked as a nonconforming area. 5.4.2 Resin content The resin content of prepregs may be determined by extracting the resin from the prepreg fibers using a solvent in which the resin material is fully soluble and the fibers are not dissolved. Soxhlet extraction procedures are described in ASTM C 613 (Reference 5.4.2(a)). Procedures for determining the resin content of carbon fiber-epoxy prepregs are provided in ASTM D 3529 (Reference 5.4.2(b)). Special procedures and solvents may be required to extract high molecular weight or thermoplastic resins. An alternate procedure for determining the resin content in epoxy resin prepregs is outlined in Section 5.5.1. 5.4.3 Fiber content Procedures used to determine resin content often provide information about the fiber content of prepregs. Alternatively, acid digestion methods (ASTM D 3171) may be applied to remove the matrix resin from the fibers as long as the fibers are not degraded (Reference 5.4.3). Digestion methods are not preferred for graphite and aramid fiber prepregs since such fibers are subject to oxidative degradation. Section 5.5.1 describes a procedure for determining the fiber and resin contents of glass, carbon, and aramid fiber/epoxy resin prepregs. 5.4.4 Volatiles content The volatiles content of prepregs may be determined by ASTM D 3530 (Reference 5.4.4). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) may also be applied to estimate weight percent volatiles in a prepreg
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1,Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 5.4.5 Moisture content The moisture content of prepregs may be determined by coulometry in accordance with ASTM D 4019(Reference 5.4.5)or by automated moisture meters based on the Karl Fischer titration method. 5.4.6 Inorganic fillers and additives content The quantitative determination of inorganic fillers and additives in the prepreg resin requires consid- erable care.For example,the weight percent inorganic fillers and additives in a prepreg resin may be determined according to the procedure described in Section 5.5.1.Assuming that the organic resin mate- rial is fully soluble in tetrahydrofuran(THF)and that the inorganic fillers and additives are insoluble,the solution prepared in step 6 can be centrifuged to precipitate the insoluble components.The precipitate is washed at least three times with the solvent,dried,and then weighed. 5.4.7 Areal weight The areal weight(mass per unit area)of a prepreg material may be determined using ASTM D 3776 (Reference 5.4.7). 5.4.8 Tack and drape Tack refers to the ability of a prepreg to adhere to itself or to other material surfaces and is a key fac- tor in determining prepreg suitability for component/part fabrication.There is no quantitative method for measuring tack.Subjective terms such as high,medium,and,low are often used in describing tack.Al- though there is no generally accepted method for measuring tack,some composite manufacturer's use a Monsanto Tack TesterTM to obtain a relative index for prepreg tack.Drape is also a subjective term which relates to the ease of handling and conforming prepregs to complex surfaces. 5.4.9 Resin flow Resin flow under specified test conditions relates to the composition,extent of reaction,and/or mor- phology of the prepreg resin,as well as the resin content.Prepreg processability and resin content in the processed laminate are affected by resin flow.Test conditions(temperature,pressure,layers of prepreg, number of bleeder plies)depend upon the type of resin.The resin flow of prepreg materials may be de- termined by ASTM D 3531 (Reference 5.4.9). 5.4.10 Gel time Gel time relates to the chemical composition and extent of reaction of thermosetting prepreg resins. Prepreg processability is affected by the resin gel time.The test temperature depends upon the type of resin.The gel times of prepregs may be determined by ASTM D 3532(Reference 5.4.10). 5.5 TEST METHODS The following methods are examples of analytical techniques that can be used for prepreg characteri- zation. 5.5.1 Resin extraction procedure for epoxy resin prepregs This procedure is applicable for determining the fiber and resin contents of glass,carbon,and aramid fiber/epoxy resin prepregs.Solutions prepared according to this procedure can be used directly for HPLC analysis provided appropriate grade solvents are used.Recommended sampling,specimen handling procedures,and standard laboratory safety procedures should be followed. 5-4
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1, Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 5-4 5.4.5 Moisture content The moisture content of prepregs may be determined by coulometry in accordance with ASTM D 4019 (Reference 5.4.5) or by automated moisture meters based on the Karl Fischer titration method. 5.4.6 Inorganic fillers and additives content The quantitative determination of inorganic fillers and additives in the prepreg resin requires considerable care. For example, the weight percent inorganic fillers and additives in a prepreg resin may be determined according to the procedure described in Section 5.5.1. Assuming that the organic resin material is fully soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and that the inorganic fillers and additives are insoluble, the solution prepared in step 6 can be centrifuged to precipitate the insoluble components. The precipitate is washed at least three times with the solvent, dried, and then weighed. 5.4.7 Areal weight The areal weight (mass per unit area) of a prepreg material may be determined using ASTM D 3776 (Reference 5.4.7). 5.4.8 Tack and drape Tack refers to the ability of a prepreg to adhere to itself or to other material surfaces and is a key factor in determining prepreg suitability for component/part fabrication. There is no quantitative method for measuring tack. Subjective terms such as high, medium, and, low are often used in describing tack. Although there is no generally accepted method for measuring tack, some composite manufacturer's use a Monsanto Tack Tester™ to obtain a relative index for prepreg tack. Drape is also a subjective term which relates to the ease of handling and conforming prepregs to complex surfaces. 5.4.9 Resin flow Resin flow under specified test conditions relates to the composition, extent of reaction, and/or morphology of the prepreg resin, as well as the resin content. Prepreg processability and resin content in the processed laminate are affected by resin flow. Test conditions (temperature, pressure, layers of prepreg, number of bleeder plies) depend upon the type of resin. The resin flow of prepreg materials may be determined by ASTM D 3531 (Reference 5.4.9). 5.4.10 Gel time Gel time relates to the chemical composition and extent of reaction of thermosetting prepreg resins. Prepreg processability is affected by the resin gel time. The test temperature depends upon the type of resin. The gel times of prepregs may be determined by ASTM D 3532 (Reference 5.4.10). 5.5 TEST METHODS The following methods are examples of analytical techniques that can be used for prepreg characterization. 5.5.1 Resin extraction procedure for epoxy resin prepregs This procedure is applicable for determining the fiber and resin contents of glass, carbon, and aramid fiber/epoxy resin prepregs. Solutions prepared according to this procedure can be used directly for HPLC analysis provided appropriate grade solvents are used. Recommended sampling, specimen handling procedures, and standard laboratory safety procedures should be followed
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1,Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 1.Cut a rectangular specimen (approx.1 g)from prepreg section and weigh on analytical balance (+0.001g or better).Record weight as Wo(grams). 2.Place specimen in 25 mL Erlenmeyer flask(fitted with a ground-glass stopper)and add about 20 mL THF(tetrahydrofuran,fresh,HPLC grade,distilled-in-glass,with no inhibitor added). 3.Stopper the flask and allow the specimen to soak in the THF for at least 4 hours. 4.Place flask on vortex mixer and agitate for 1 minute. 5.Carefully decant the THF solution into a 50 mL volumetric flask.The fibers should remain bunched together in the 25 mL flask. 6.Add about 10 mL THF to rinse the fibers in the 25 mL flask,mix on the vortex mixer,and decant the THF into the 50 mL volumetric flask containing the primary solution(step 5). 7.Repeat step 6. 8.Add THF to fill the volumetric flask to the 50 mL mark. 9.Carefully remove the graphite fibers from the 25 mL Erlenmeyer flask(using forceps).wrap fibers in KimwipesTM or equivalent,place in labeled paper envelop,place the envelope in fume hood air stream,and allow fibers to dry overnight.Alternatively,residual THF may be removed by placing the envelope with fibers in a vacuum oven(fitted an appropriate vapor trap)set at 40C and maintaining a vacuum for at least 1 hour. 10.The fibers are removed from the Kimwipes TM and weighed on an analytical balance.Record the fiber weight as Wr(grams). 11.Calculate the concentration of the resin solution(see step 8)and record concentration as Co(ug/uL). This concentration will be useful in the analysis of HPLC data. C。=Wo-WuL 5.5.1(a) 0.050 12.Mix resin solution(from step 11)on vortex mixer and immediately filter about 4 mL of the resin sample solution through a 0.2 um Teflon TM membrane filter into a dry,clean glass vial.Immediately cap the vial to prevent contamination and solvent loss.This solution will be used for HPLC analysis.The re- maining(unfiltered)solution in the flask can be used to determine soluble resin content and insoluble content(steps 16 and 17). 13.The extractable resin content and fiber content,not corrected for the presence of volatiles and insolu- ble components in the prepreg resin and remaining on the fibers,are calculated- wt-%extractable resin=100%xWo-Wr 5.5.1(b) Wo wt-%fiber =100%-wt%extractable resin 5.5.1(c 14.Glass fibers may be placed in a muffle furnace and heated at 650 to 800C to remove nonextractable surface material.After cooling to room temperature,the fibers are reweighed and their weights are recorded as W. 15.The amount of nonextractable fiber surface material in glass fiber prepregs is calculated- wt-%nonextractables=100%xWr-Wr) 5.5.1(d) W。 16.Insoluble content.The extractable or THF-soluble resin content may also be determined by filtering the solution prepared in step 8 through a 0.2 um Teflon TM membrane filter.Using a volumetric pipet, 5-5
MIL-HDBK-17-1F Volume 1, Chapter 5 Prepreg Materials Characterization 5-5 1. Cut a rectangular specimen (approx. 1 g) from prepreg section and weigh on analytical balance (±0.001g or better). Record weight as Wo (grams). 2. Place specimen in 25 mL Erlenmeyer flask (fitted with a ground-glass stopper) and add about 20 mL THF (tetrahydrofuran, fresh, HPLC grade, distilled-in-glass, with no inhibitor added). 3. Stopper the flask and allow the specimen to soak in the THF for at least 4 hours. 4. Place flask on vortex mixer and agitate for 1 minute. 5. Carefully decant the THF solution into a 50 mL volumetric flask. The fibers should remain bunched together in the 25 mL flask. 6. Add about 10 mL THF to rinse the fibers in the 25 mL flask, mix on the vortex mixer, and decant the THF into the 50 mL volumetric flask containing the primary solution (step 5). 7. Repeat step 6. 8. Add THF to fill the volumetric flask to the 50 mL mark. 9. Carefully remove the graphite fibers from the 25 mL Erlenmeyer flask (using forceps), wrap fibers in Kimwipes™ or equivalent, place in labeled paper envelop, place the envelope in fume hood air stream, and allow fibers to dry overnight. Alternatively, residual THF may be removed by placing the envelope with fibers in a vacuum oven (fitted an appropriate vapor trap) set at 40°C and maintaining a vacuum for at least 1 hour. 10. The fibers are removed from the Kimwipes™ and weighed on an analytical balance. Record the fiber weight as Wf (grams). 11. Calculate the concentration of the resin solution (see step 8) and record concentration as Co(µg/µL). This concentration will be useful in the analysis of HPLC data. o o f C = (W -W ) 0.050 µ µ g/ L 5.5.1(a) 12. Mix resin solution (from step 11) on vortex mixer and immediately filter about 4 mL of the resin sample solution through a 0.2 µm Teflon™ membrane filter into a dry, clean glass vial. Immediately cap the vial to prevent contamination and solvent loss. This solution will be used for HPLC analysis. The remaining (unfiltered) solution in the flask can be used to determine soluble resin content and insoluble content (steps 16 and 17). 13. The extractable resin content and fiber content, not corrected for the presence of volatiles and insoluble components in the prepreg resin and remaining on the fibers, are calculated - wt- % extractable resin = 100% x (W -W ) W o f o 5.5.1(b) wt- % fiber = 100% - wt % extractable resin 5.5.1(c) 14. Glass fibers may be placed in a muffle furnace and heated at 650 to 800°C to remove nonextractable surface material. After cooling to room temperature, the fibers are reweighed and their weights are recorded as Wf' . 15. The amount of nonextractable fiber surface material in glass fiber prepregs is calculated - wt- % nonextractables = 100% x (W -W ) W f f’ o 5.5.1(d) 16. Insoluble content. The extractable or THF-soluble resin content may also be determined by filtering the solution prepared in step 8 through a 0.2 µm Teflon™ membrane filter. Using a volumetric pipet