EN 2330:1993

Overview

EN 2330:1993 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the test method for determining the content of volatile matter in textile glass fibre preimpregnates used in the aerospace industry. Textile glass fibre preimpregnates, also known as prepregs, are composite materials where glass fibres are pre-impregnated with resin systems. Controlling the volatile matter content is crucial to ensure the quality and performance of aerospace components manufactured with these materials.

This standard provides a clear and reliable procedure to quantify volatile substances that may affect the curing process, mechanical properties, and long-term stability of aerospace composites. However, EN 2330 does not include specific health and safety guidelines - users must implement their own safety precautions when handling the materials and conducting tests.

Key Topics

• Test Methodology
  The standard defines a precise laboratory procedure for measuring the percentage of volatile matter in textile glass fibre preimpregnates. This involves controlled heating and weighing techniques to identify the weight loss attributable to volatiles.

• Material Scope
  Applicable exclusively to textile glass fibre preimpregnates intended for aerospace applications, ensuring materials meet strict aerospace quality standards.

• Volatile Matter Importance
  Volatile substances can impact the resin curing process and the final structural integrity of composite aerospace parts. Accurate measurement helps maintain product reliability and compliance.

• User Responsibilities
  The standard explicitly delegates the responsibility for adopting appropriate health and safety measures to the users, emphasizing safe handling during sample preparation and testing.

Applications

EN 2330:1993 is essential for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and aerospace engineers working with glass fibre prepregs. Typical applications include:

• Quality Assurance
  Regular testing of prepreg batches to confirm volatile content is within acceptable limits, guaranteeing consistent composite material performance.

• Material Development
  Supporting R&D in optimizing resin formulations and prepreg manufacturing processes to reduce volatile matter and enhance aerospace composite characteristics.

• Compliance Verification
  Assisting aerospace suppliers and fabricators in meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements related to composite materials.

• Failure Analysis
  Investigating composite part defects potentially caused by excessive volatile matter during curing and fabrication.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality control of aerospace composite materials, EN 2330:1993 is typically used alongside other related standards, including:

• EN 2564 – Aerospace series – Textile glass fibre preimpregnates – Determination of resin content
• EN 2565 – Aerospace series – Textile glass fibre preimpregnates – Determination of curing agent content
• EN 2566 – Aerospace series – Textile glass fibre preimpregnates – Test methods for physical properties

Understanding and integrating multiple complementary standards ensures full compliance and optimal performance of aerospace glass fibre prepregs.

By implementing EN 2330:1993, aerospace manufacturers can reliably measure volatile content in textile glass fibre preimpregnates, thereby enhancing the durability, safety, and performance of aerospace composite materials. This standard plays a critical role in maintaining quality control and fostering innovation in composite manufacturing technologies.