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D2343-17 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D2343-17 (Reapproved 2023) establishes a standardized procedure for determining the comparative tensile properties of continuous filament glass fiber strands, yarns, and rovings used in reinforced plastics. This test method is essential for quality control and research and development applications and is technically equivalent to the short method described in ISO 9163. The test utilizes impregnated rod specimens tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and constant crosshead speed.
📐 Specimen Geometry and Preparation
Specimens are prepared by impregnating the glass fiber material with a suitable polymeric binder carefully selected to yield the highest consistent tensile values for the specific glass fiber under test. The cross-sectional area is determined from skeins of glass fiber taken before and after specimen preparation. After curing, the rod-like specimens require specific end preparation to ensure proper gripping and failure within the gauge length.
| 🟦 Preparation Type | 📏 Material / Grit | 🎯 Grip Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tabbed Ends | Glass fiber mat or cardboard | Standard grips |
| Sanded Ends | 240 grit sandpaper or fine emery cloth | Rubber faced grips |
⚙️ Test Procedure and Speed Control
The test method requires a tension testing machine with a constant-rate-of-crosshead movement. The test specimens are loaded to failure under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, and humidity. The cross-sectional area, calculated from skein weights, is the basis for all stress calculations, making accurate density and linear density determination crucial for valid comparative results.
⚠️ Important Note on Variability: Tensile properties vary significantly with specimen preparation, the resin impregnation system used, and the speed and environment of testing. For precise comparative results, these factors must be strictly controlled and fully documented.
The following referenced documents provide essential terminology, conditioning practices, and calibration procedures for executing this test method:
| 🔍 Standard / Source | 📐 Title / Application |
|---|---|
| ASTM D618 | Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing |
| ASTM D883 | Terminology Relating to Plastics |
| ASTM E4 | Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines |
| ASTM E6 | Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing |
| ISO 9163 | Textile Glass—Rovings (Technically equivalent short method) |
📊 Key Measured Properties and Significance
Tensile properties determined by this test method are invaluable for identifying and characterizing materials for control and specification purposes as well as for providing data for research and development studies. It is explicitly not intended to be used directly for the development of composites design data. It is particularly useful for evaluating the effects of sizing systems and fiber finishes on the inherent tensile performance of the glass filament.
💡 Tip for Researchers: This test method isolates the fiber tensile performance from the variables of a full composite matrix by focusing purely on the fiber and its interaction with a sizing-compatible binder. Prime consideration should be given to the binder system to ensure highest consistent values.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the specific scope of ASTM D2343-17?
It covers the determination of comparative tensile properties of glass fiber strands, yarns, and rovings in the form of impregnated rod test specimens. The method is applicable to continuous filament, glass fiber materials that have been coated with a resin compatible sizing.
💡 Can the results from this test method be used for design?
No. The standard explicitly states the method is intended for use in quality control and R&D, and is not intended to be used to develop composites design data.
⚡ What are the primary specimen end preparation methods?
After impregnation and curing, specimens shall either be tabbed using glass fiber mat or cardboard and tested with standard grips; or the ends shall be sanded with 240 grit sandpaper or fine emery cloth and tested using rubber faced grips.
📌 Is ASTM D2343 technically equivalent to any international standard?
Yes, this test method is noted as being technically equivalent to the short method described in ISO 9163 (Textile Glass—Rovings).