This test method is useful for establishing the integrity of composite rod. The presence of voids, cracks, and hollow fibers are considered detrimental to the structural integrity of the composite and may cause reduced electrical resistance and increased current leakage.

A perfect composite would be flaw-free, and there would be no possibility of wicking. Composites of this type are virtually nonexistent, as there will typically be entrapped air in the resin developed during manufacture, occasional hollow fibers, and occasional cracks due to thermal stresses.

This test method is intended to provide a tool for measuring the extent of flaws in a composite over very short lengths of material. The presence of wicking over 1 in. [2.54 cm] lengths may not necessarily imply that the composite will perform unsatisfactorily for its intended end-use. Therefore, interpretation of test results should be made with care.

This test method was developed as a technique for estimating quality and consistency of pultruded rod stock, which is a composite of resin and reinforcement. The process may also affect the quality of the product. It should be useful for a manufacturer in determining whether any gross changes in quality have taken place due to process or raw material changes.

Since the results of this test are so sensitive to sample size, penetrant type, penetrant used, viscosity, duration of test, and other factors, no attempt to arrive at or recommend development of a specification for these materials has been made. It is suggested that such a specification should be negotiated between supplier and end user.

1.1 This dye-penetrant test method covers a means of evaluating solid fiberglass reinforced pultruded rod stock for longitudinal wicking. There are generally three mechanisms that promote wicking, any or all of which may be operating at a given time.

Note 1—The specimen's cross-section may reflect delaminations, longitudinal continuous voids, or the presence of hollow fibers, or all three. Occasionally these flaws may be detected by this test, but other tests are usually required.

1.2 The results of a wicking test are dependent on specimen type and size, penetrant type, time of exposure in the penetrant, penetrant viscosity, etc. Any attempt to use a wicking test to establish specification criteria should be made with great care.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.4 This 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. For specific hazard statements, see 10.3 and 10.6.

Note 2—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.