4.2 The specific strength is calculated for each specimen as
is the average specific strength of the five specimens tested in
the dry and wet conditions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Specific strength is a measure of the ability of a fiber
matrix product to withstand force applied by a tensile machine
and is useful to understand in order to produce quality
products. Specific strength is frequently related to the matrix
density, fiber quality, fiber length and chemistry and can be
used as a measurement for quality assurance or quality control,
or both requirements.
5.2 This method may not be applicable to all hydraulically
applied fiber matrix products due to variations in product
chemistry.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Constant Rate of Extension (CRE) Type Tensile Testing
Machine—A device conforming to Specification D76/D76M
and designed for operation at a speed of 300 610 mm/min (12
60.5 in./min).
6.2 Measuring Devices—CRE-type machines shall be
equipped with a suitable device for measuring the force, and
when needed, a device to measure extension. These devices
shall conform to Specification D76/D76M.
6.3 Clamping Devices—The clamping devices shall con-
form to Specification D76/D76M with the following specific
properties. The jaw faces shall be smooth, flat, and have a
metallic surface. The jaw faces shall be parallel and have
machining centers with respect to one another in the same
clamp and to the corresponding jaw face of the other clamp.
The jaw faces shall measure at least 10 mm (0.5 in.) wider than
the specimen being tested and at least 25 mm (1.0 in.) in
height.
6.4 Balance—Balances shall conform to the requirements of
Guide D4753.
6.4.1 To determine the mass of the specimen, the balance
shall have readability without estimation of 0.01 g. The capac-
ity of this balance will need to exceed the mass of the container
plus a specimen. In general, a balance with minimum capacity
of 600 g is sufficient.
6.5 Soaking Container—An aluminum, or equivalent inert
container with enough capacity to hold five specimens and test
water. In general, a container with minimum dimensions of 100
by 200 by 60 mm (4 by 8 by 2.4 in.) is typically sufficient.
6.6 Miscellaneous Items—Items such as wooden sticks,
glass rods, spatulas, containers with tight fitting lids, paper
towels, and polystyrene foam plates may be useful.
7. Reagents
7.1 Test Water—Distilled, demineralized, or deionized water
is the only permissible test fluid. The use of tap water is not
permitted.
8. Hazards
8.1 Safety Hazards—Fiber matrix products can be dusty. It
is recommended that eye protection and a dust mask be worn
during sampling and testing.
9. Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimens
9.1 Follow the procedure given in Practice D7986 to obtain
arepresentative sample of the material and then prepare 10
specimens having minimum dimensions of 100 by 130 mm (4
by 5 in.) in size.
NOTE 2—It may be worthwhile to prepare more than 10 specimens in
case extras are needed during testing.
9.2 Dry Preparation—Select 5 of the test specimens and
allow them to equilibrate to the test temperature range of 21 6
2°C (70 64°F) and the relative humidity range of 40 610 %.
Proceed to Section 10.
9.3 Wet Preparation—Fill the soaking container with test
water and soak five test specimens for 30 minutes. Use a clean,
wooden stick, spatula, or glass rod to hold the test specimens
down in the test water for about five seconds until the test
specimens are fully hydrated and submerged in the test water.
9.3.1 While the specimens are soaking, cover a disposable,
polystyrene foam plate with a paper towel. After 30 minutes of
soaking, place the test specimens on the paper towel-covered
plate and cover the specimens with another paper towel and
plate to create a “sandwich.” Flip plates over and remove the
top plate, replace the wet paper towel, and repeat this process
for a total of 20 times.
9.3.2 Remove the test specimens from the plate and imme-
diately proceed to Section 10. If testing cannot occur within 5
minutes, place the test specimens in a tightly covered container
to prevent water content changes.
10. Procedure
10.1 Begin with wet specimens first. Work quickly to reduce
the potential for changes in the water content.
10.2 Determine and record the mass of each specimen, M
s
,
to the nearest 0.01 g.
10.3 Set the gage length to 75 mm (3 in.).
10.4 Mount the test specimen securely in the clamp of the
testing machine with the 130 mm (5 in.) side vertically. Take
care that the test specimen is centrally located and that the long
dimension is as parallel as possible to the direction of force
application. Make sure the tension on the specimen is uniform
across the clamped width. Clamps which are too tight will
produce breaks at the clamp line; clamps which are too loose
will cause slippage.
10.5 After mounting the test specimen, zero the force (and
gage) indicators as applicable and set the rate of extension to
300 610 mm/min. (12 60.5 in./min). Follow the tensile
testing machine’s manufacturer’s instructions to begin the test.
D8199 − 20 (2025)
2