Flexural Properties of Composites by

ASTM D7264
Intertek provides flexural properties testing for
various polymer matrix composites, using ASTM
D7264.
Flexural properties ASTM D7264 Scope:
ASTM D7264 outlines testing of flexural properties of polymer matrix
composites using a bar of rectangular cross section supported on a beam and
deflected at a constant rate. The test method summarizes two procedures.
Procedure A outlines a three point loading system for center loading. Procedure
B outlines a four point loading system for two equal loading points. This test
method is designed for polymer matrix composites and uses a standard 32:1
span-to-thickness ratio in comparison to other methods such as ASTM D790, a
three-point flexure for plastics, which uses a standard 16:1 span-to-thickness
ratio or ASTM D6272 which is a four point flexure. Fabric-reinforced textile
composite materials are also referenced within the ASTM D7264 method.
Flexural properties of many materials can vary depending on temperature, rate
of strain and specimen thickness, it may be appropriate to test materials at
varied parameters.
Test procedure:
Procedure A outlines a three point loading system for center loading. Most
commonly the specimen lies on a support span and the load is applied to the
center by the loading nose producing three-point bending at a specified rate.
Procedure B outlines a four point loading system for two equal loading points.
For the four point flexural test, the specimen lies on a span and stress is
uniformly distributed between the loading noses.
Elevated or reduced temperature test procedure:
A thermal chamber is installed on the Universal Testing Machine. The chamber
is designed to allow the test mounts from the base and crosshead of the Tester
to pass through the top and bottom of the chamber. Standard test fixtures are
installed inside the chamber, and testing is conducted inside the controlled
thermal environment the same as it would be at ambient temperature. The
chamber has internal electric heaters for elevated temperatures and uses
external carbon dioxide gas as a coolant for reduced temperatures.
Specimen size: Standard specimen thickness is 4 mm (0.16 in), standard
specimen width is 13 mm (0.5 in) and standard specimen length is 20% longer
than the support span. If the standard specimen is not available, alternative

specimen sizes may be used.

Data:
Flexural Strength
Maximum Flexural Stress
Maximum Strain
Stress at Strain
Flexural Secant Modulus of Elasticity
Flexural Chord Modulus of Elasticity
Failure Mode and Location
Equipment Used:
Universal Testing Machine
Four Point Flexural Fixture
Three Point Flexural Fixture