Standardisation has increased significantly over the last ten years. ISO has prepared many basic test methods, also adopted by CEN for use in the European Union, that have been harmonised extensively with ASTM standards.

In addition, CEN has developed many product specification standards. The new CEN standard EN 13706 is of particular note as it provides a metal-alloy type scenario with a designation scheme and mandated minimum properties.

The National Physical Laboratory represents the UK on many international committees and aims to provide up-to date information and recommendations on new standards for ballotting, published standards etc. The CPA site gives comprehensive listings.

Standards update

Newly developed standards are being prepared on

• ISO/CD 6721-11 - Plastics - Dynamic Mechanical Analysis - Glass transition temperature measurement
• ISO/CD 6721-12 - Plastics - Dynamic Mechanical Analysis - Methods of Calibration

 

• The specification standard for Pultruded Profiles, EN 13706 was published in 2002. This standard is a first for composites, offering an 'alloy' type specification with minimum mandated properties based on BS EN ISO test methods.

 

• ISO 14692 - Petroleum and natural gas industries - GRP piping (4 parts). This is an important international standard covering the use of GRP piping in critical applications.

• NPL Composites Standards Development
• CPA Standards information
• Recently published and ballotted standards

Standards organisations

• International Standards Organisation (ISO)
• British Standards Institute (BSI)
• American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
• Comite Europeen de Normalisation (CEN)

Standards research

• Composites Performance and Design (CPD)
• VAMAS
• Measurement for Material Systems (MMS)
• Standards for modulus measurement