Fibre-reinforced plastics

Experimental characterization of fi bre-reinforced plastics is needed for qualifi cation, product development and certifi cation. VTT Expert Services Ltd provides a comprehensive test selection for fi bre-reinforced plastics. In addition to testing, also other type of services to support the laminate design and strength analysis are provided.

Laminate characterization testsThe mechanical properties of fi bre-reinforced laminates can be characterized by variety of tests.

For instance, the following standard tests are conducted

• Tension and compression tests

• Bending tests

• Interlaminar shear strength tests (ILSS)

• Flatwise and out-of-plane tensile tests

• Impact tests

• Tests for sandwich structures

Tension, compression and bending tests can be static or dynamic fatigue. Environmental exposure or different ageing programs can also be carried out according to customer’s needs.

The typical laminate quality control tests are

• Barcol hardness measurements

• Fibre content measurements

• Void content measurements

• Non-destructive inspections

We conduct standard (ASTM, ISO etc.) and custom

coupon and sub-component tests for fi bre reinforced composites.

Full-scaletests

Componenttests

Coupon tests

Material tests

Sub-componenttests

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Coupon testing of instrumented glass fi bre reinforced laminate.

Core shear test.

Instrumentation In the most elemental mechanical tests only load and stroke of the testing machine are recorded. However, in many cases structural tests includemore versatile instrumentation.

Available alternatives are

• Strain gages

• Extensometers

• Inductive displacement transducer

• Laser gages

• Optical 3D-strain measurement

• Thermometers

Available resources

• Six universal testing machines with data acquisition

• Load capacities from 1 kN to 2 MN

• Extensive range of testing fi xtures and equipment

The data recording frequency can be specifi ed according to test demands.It is possible to provide the data to the customer for further analysis.

Markku HentinenBusiness ManagerTel. +358 20 722 7070markku.hentinen@vtt.fi

VTT EXPERT SERVICES LTDP.O. BOX 1001, 02044 VTT, FinlandTel. +358 20 722 111Fax +358 20 722 7001info@vtt.fi www.vttexpertservices.fi

VTT Expert Services Ltd supports its clients in the development of products, services, processes and equipment maintenance as well as product market launch collaboration and assistance. We offer versatile expert services in testing, certifi cation, approval, inspections, analyses and calibration. VTT Expert Services Ltd is part of the VTT Group consisting of 200 professionals operating in four locations in Finland.