material characterization

An introduction to Norplex-Micarta’s material characterization capabilites.

What is material characterization?

Material characterization is the process of scientifically evaluating the physical, mechanical, electrical, and other properties of interest of any material. This requires not only specialized equipment, but  specially trained staff to complete the tests, and interpret the results.

Engineers and designers need data from this process in order to make material selection and design decisions. For composite materials, this is particularly important because the characteristics or properties of the material may change with orientation. There are many standard test methods for composite materials depending on the industry or intended application.

Why Norplex-Micarta for material characterization and development?

Norplex-Micarta has been producing thermoset composite materials for more than 100 years. Resin systems based on epoxy, phenolic, melamine, and silicone are commonly ran in our Postville, Iowa facility. These and other resin chemistries are often modified with additives to provide even more functionality for designers and engineers looking for a material solution to demanding applications. Reinforcements are even more varied. Glass, carbon, natural and synthetic reinforcements are all possible. So too are hybridization of these reinforcements in various different fabric architectures.

Norplex-Micarta has dedicated application and material development engineers to support material selection, application development, prototyping, and customization to support designers and engineers. These efforts are also supported by our material characterization labratories.

application and material development
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prepreg products
sheet products
tube products
stock shape products

Norplex-Micarta produces prepreg, sheets, tubes, and other stock shapes.

Perhaps one of these forms would allow for a prototype to be produced economically and with a quicker turnaround compared to other options? Or, maybe one of these materials data can serve as a starting point for your initial evaluation?

Examples of tests performed:

  • Impact:
    • ASTM D256
    • ISO 179
    • ISO 180
  • Tensile Strength and Modulus:
    • ASTM D3039
    • ASTM D638
  • Flexural Strength and Modulus:
    • ASTM D790
    • ISO 178
  • Shear Strength and Modulus
    • ASTM D3846
    • ASTM D732
    • ASTM D3518
    • ASTM D5379
  • Compressive Strength:
    • ASTM 695
    • ISO 604
  • Short-Beam Strength:
    • ASTM D2344
  • Combined Loading Compression:
    • ASTM D6641
  • Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
    • DSC per IPC-TM-650 #2.4.25
    • DMA per ASTM D7028
  • Dissipation Factor and Relative Permitivity per ASTM D150
  • Electric Strength:
    • ASTM D149
    • ISO IEC 60893-2