Standardization in the field of composites

Abstract

The modern era of composite materials begins at the end of the 19th century with the production of the first polymer–based artificial resins. Since then, the types and technologies of composite materials have been continuously developed and improved, until today. Their use in modern industry is progressively growing. That is why orderliness and regularity are necessary for the development, production, meeting of market requirements, exploitation and recycling of these materials. It can only be achieved through standards and standardization. Within the technical committee TC 61 of the International Organization for Standardization – ISO, the subcommittee ISO/TC 61/SC 13, which deals with composites and reinforcing fibres, operates. The American Society for Testing and Materials – ASTM International also publishes international standards. The D30 committee for composite materials operates within this organization. ISO/TC 61/SC 13 has existed since 1985, and ASTM/D30 since 1964. In this paper, an analysis of the number, types and dynamics of the publication of standards in the field of composites and related fields was carried out. Based on the analysis carried out, it was concluded that a large number of significant standards have been published, that the number of standards is increasing following the development of new composite materials, as well as that further expansion of the concept of standardization in the field of composites can be expected. The results shown here are the result of research supported by COST action CA21155 – Advanced Composites under HIgh STRAin RaTEs Loading: a route to certification–by–analysis (HISTRATE).