4.1 This guide is intended to serve as a reference for the testing of textile composite materials.

4.2 The use of this guide ensures that proper consideration is given to the unique characteristics of these materials in testing. In addition, this guide also assists the user in selecting the best currently available ASTM test method for measurement of commonly evaluated material properties.

1.1 This guide is applicable to the testing of textile composites fabricated using fabric preforms, such as weaves, braids, stitched preforms, and so forth, as the reinforcement. The purpose of this guide is to:

1.1.1 Ensure that proper consideration is given to the unique characteristics of these materials in testing.

1.1.2 Assist the user in selecting the best currently available ASTM test method for the measurement of commonly evaluated material properties for this class of materials.

1.2 Areas where current ASTM test methods do not meet the needs for testing of textile composites are indicated.

1.3 It is not the intent of this guide to cover all test methods which could possibly be used for textile composites. Only the most commonly used and most applicable standards are included.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.4.1 Within the text the inch-pound units are shown in brackets.

1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.