virtually nonexistent, as there will typically be entrapped air in
the resin developed during manufacturing, occasional hollow
fibers, and occasional cracks due to thermal stresses.
5.3 This test method is intended to provide a tool for
measuring the extent of wicking in a composite over very short
lengths of material for comparative purposes. The presence of
wicking over 1 in. (2.54 cm) lengths will not necessarily imply
that the composite will perform unsatisfactorily for its intended
end-use. Therefore, interpretation of test results shall be made
carefully.
5.4 This test method was developed as a technique for
estimating quality and consistency of pultruded rod and bar
stock, which is a composite of resin and all-roving reinforce-
ment. This test method will be useful for a manufacturer to
determine whether any gross changes in quality have taken
place due to process or raw material changes as the manufac-
turing process also affects the quality of the product.
5.5 Since the results of this test are so sensitive to sample
size, penetrant type, viscosity, duration of test, and other
factors, no attempt to arrive at or recommend development of
a specification for these materials has been made. A specifica-
tion shall be negotiated between supplier and end user and such
specification shall be made with great care.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Dye Penetrant
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6.2 Ultraviolet Light Source—The penetrant used is
fluorescent, and requires a black lamp light source.
6.3 Dark Room—An area for viewing the presence of
fluorescent spots on the test specimens is required.
6.4 Hood—There is a need to provide adequate air ventila-
tion for the elimination of any annoying vapors from the
penetrant. These vapors are nontoxic but has potential to be an
irritant.
6.5 Shallow Pan, for holding the penetrant is required. A
thin, spongy material that can be placed in the pan to support
the specimen on one end.
6.6 Stop Watch, or other means for timing the length of the
test is required.
6.7 Magnifying Glass, 5×, recommended for identifying
very small fluorescent specks, or dots, on the specimen’s upper
face. It is not regarded as essential.
7. Materials
7.1 This test method was developed for use on solid
pultruded all-roving rod and bar stock reinforced with fiber-
glass. An evaluation employed 1 in. diameter rod stock using
epoxy, vinyl ester and polyester resins. It was determined that
this test method is applicable for all three resin series.
7.2 Use rod or bar stock representative of typical production
lots and select random specimens for testing.
8. Sampling and Test Specimens
8.1 Take at least three test specimens for each sample.
8.2 Specimens shall not be taken from material that has
been damaged or subjected to previous testing.
8.3 Select at least three 1-in. (2.54 cm) length specimens
taken at random locations along the rod or bar stock to be
tested. These shall be cut dry with a diamond-dust blade to
ensure a smooth test surface.
8.4 In order to prevent the problem of wicking up the sides
of some composites, paint a ring of clear nail polish or other
suitable inhibitor below the top surface and around the circum-
ference of each test specimen.
9. Conditioning
9.1 Condition the test specimens at 23 62°C (73.4 6
3.6°F) and 50 610 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h
prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618.
9.2 Test Conditions—Conduct all testing in the standard
laboratory atmosphere of 23 62°C (73.4 63.6°F) and 50 6
10 % relative humidity, unless otherwise specified.
10. Procedure
10.1 Preheat the ultraviolet light source for 15 min or in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Posi-
tion the light to shine on the pan (penetrant) surface.
10.2 Place a thin, spongy material such as common house-
hold plastic foam sponge on the bottom of the pan to support
the specimens. This material aids in properly wetting the
bottom surface of the specimen and reduces possible problems
associated with air entrapment.
10.3 Add sufficient dye to the pan such that the specimens
will be immersed to a depth of
1
⁄
8
in. (0.32 cm) while resting on
the sponge. This depth shall be predetermined with an extra
piece of rod stock.
10.4 Warning—Avoid hand contact with the penetrant to
preclude possible contamination of the specimens during
handling. Wash hands thoroughly before proceeding, if contact
with the penetrant were to occur.
Place each specimen on end in the penetrant to the depth
specified in 10.3 and staggered from the rest of the group. The
actual time of immersion for each shall be recorded if more
than six specimens are to be tested at one time. Otherwise, all
specimens shall be considered to be immersed at the same
time. When more than six specimens are tested, an interval of
30 s between the respective immersions shall be observed. For
example, if a group of nine specimens were to be tested, one
could be added at T= 0, the next at T= 30 s, and the last at
T= 4.0 min.
10.5 Immerse each specimen such that its lower face is
inserted into the dye normal to the supporting sponge to ensure
optimum coating of its surface. Press down lightly on the upper
face of the specimen to affect its positive sealing.
10.6 Position the specimens in the penetrant in a row left to
right such that the first, second, etc. can be easily identified.
10.7 Record the time for the appearance of the first dot.
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Zyglo Penetrex ZL 30A dye penetrant, manufactured by Magnaflux, or
equivalent, is suitable for this purpose. During the initial round-robin work, three
standard penetrants of the industry were evaluated. The above referenced penetrant
provided the most discriminating, rapid, and consistent results.
D5117 − 25
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