Published in August 2022, this pre-standard or ‘technical rule’ specifies how to characterize the bonding between fibre and matrix by means of a single-fibre pull-out test. This technique is implemented in Textechno’s FIMATEST system.

Dr. Ulrich Mörschel, CEO of Textechno, explains: “Up to now, a characterization of the interfacial shear strength according to standards was only possible with elaborate and hence expensive macromechanical testing techniques such as ILSS testing. Here, the results depend on the exact mechanical structure of the test specimen. In contrast, the single-fibre pull-out test gives a direct measure of the fibre-matrix adhesion strength on its own.”

Prof. Dr. Axel Hermann, Director of Fibre Institute Bremen e.V. (FIBRE) adds: “We were glad to participate in the development and the standardization of the FIMATEST system. The system is successfully operational in our laboratory and has been very efficient to determine the fibre-matrix adhesion strength in various research projects at FIBRE supporting the composite industry.”

Dr. Michael Effing of AMAC and Senior Advisor to Textechno on background and outlook: “The composite industry needs standardized testing techniques to allow international partners to agree on common quality specifications. This is especially true for the interfacial shear strength which is one of the key quality parameters in the composite technology. The new standard is applicable not only to thermoset but also to thermoplastic composite hence supporting this dynamic market growing at 6-8% per year. We support Textechno to standardize the single-fibre pull-out test on ISO level using DIN SPEC 19892 as a basis.”