GUIDELINE NO.

GD-ED-2210
PAGE 1 of 9
APRIL 1996

PREFERRED
RELIABILITY
PRACTICES

FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER
COMPOSITE MATERIAL
SELECTION

Guideline:
Material selection is an important aspect of design. Often the success of the design is critically
dependent on a material or materials performing as desired. This is especially true in the case of
advanced composite materials with polymer matrices reinforced with carbon or aramid (Kevlar)
fibers. The important considerations necessary for a proper selection of a fiber-reinforced
polymer composite material in NASA spacecraft and satellite structures include fiber material,
fiber reinforcement form, fiber volume, matrix material, ply lamination, processing, cost, database,
health and safety factors and end-item properties.
Benefit:
Proper selection of the fiber, fiber-reinforcement form, and polymer matrix will produce a material
system that 1) satisfies design property requirements (thermal/physical/mechanical), 2) facilitates
fabrication processes (lay-up and cure) and 3) minimizes program risks (cost, schedule, and
technical).
Center to Contact for More Information:
Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Implementation Method:
Overview
Unlike a monolithic, homogenous material or an alloy, a composite is composed of two or more
materials that retain their identity on the macroscopic level. Materials composing a composite can
be classified as a reinforcement or strengthening phase and a matrix or binder phase.
Reinforcement materials can be ceramics, polymers, or wires. Reinforcement forms can be
continuous fibers, discontinuous or chopped fibers, whiskers, particles, platelets, etc. Matrix
materials can be polymers, metals, or ceramics.
The primary consideration of this guideline is fiber reinforcements and thermoset polymer
matrices in the most common product form, a prepreg (pre-impregnated and
partially cured) sheet or ply. This is done out of practical considerations, since
ALL
these composites possess the highest structural efficiency (specific properties)
NASA
and are the most highly developed in terms of processing methods and material
CENTERS
characterization (data base). Much of the information in the guideline is,
however, relevant to other manufacturing forms and methods, such as Resin

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FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITE

MATERIAL SELECTION
Transfer Molding, Filament Winding, Fiber Placement, Pultrusions, and Injection Molding.
The content by volume of fibers in the composite is a critical parameter from which the composite
derives thermo/physical/mechanical properties. A body of science called micromechanics [1-4]*
exists to predict the properties of composites as a function of fiber volume given the material
properties of the reinforcement and matrix. Micromechanics will not be discussed in this article.
Fiber reinforcement in a ply can be unidirectional or multidirectional. The latter applies to woven
and non-woven fabrics. Choice of reinforcement form is a degree of freedom that can result in
better processing and labor savings in part fabrication.
Plies with either or both reinforcement scheme are stacked and cured to make a laminate. The ply
fiber angles in the laminate are oriented to satisfy application design requirements (stiffness,
strength, thermal expansion, etc.). Laminate design/analysis methods will not be covered in this
article. Information on this subject can be found in many publications [5-8].
The matrix phase is typically the material that most affects the processing, and most directly the
curing of the composite. Choices for polymer matrices include a variety of epoxies, polyimides,
and others. The choice of polymer matrix determines to a great degree the operational
temperature limits for the composite. The matrix phase also affects other physical properties,
such as outgassing and moisture diffusion.
Lastly, there are additional considerations that include economic, experience (flight history), and
safety considerations that factor into the selection of a composite material. Table 1 summarizes
relevant selection considerations for a fiber-reinforced composite with a polymer matrix. A more
detailed discussion of the selection considerations follows.
Table 1. Composite Selection Considerations
1.

Fiber Considerations
a.
Thermo/physical/mechanical properties and relevance to end application
b.
Ply thickness and tow size availability
c.
Ply flexibility and part curvature
d.
Sizing and surface treatments for matrix bonding and wetting
e.
Cost, availability, lead time, and stable supply source

2.

Reinforcement Considerations
a.
Part curvature
b.
Ply thickness

*Number in brackets refer to references.

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MATERIAL SELECTION
c.
d.
e.
f.

Laminate ply orientations

Machining
Weaving styles (drape) and weaving vendors
Cost, availability, lead time, and stable supply source

3.

Resin Considerations
a.
Fiber sizing compatibility and wetting
b.
Cure temperature and related items: laminate residual stresses, tooling
expansion, upper use temperature, composite glass transition temperature
(Tg), and microcracking
c.
Prepreg handling characteristics: tack, drape, outlife
d.
Flow characteristics and processing method
e.
Mechanical properties: shear and tensile strength, modulus and strain
compatibility with the reinforcing phase
f.
Physical properties: outgassing, moisture absorption/diffusivity/swelling,
others
g.
Toxicity and health concerns
h.
Cost, availability, lead time, and stable supply source

4.

Other Considerations (Composite Level)

a.
Material characterization data base
b.
Flight history
c.
Cost, availability, lead time, and stable supply source

Fiber Selection
The designer or material specialist has a wide range of fibers from which to make a selection.
Often a fiber is selected because of physical properties. For example, graphite or carbon fibers are
electrically and thermally conductive, while aramid (Kevlar) and glass fibers are non-conductive.
In certain applications, such as an antenna reflector, electrical conduction is required. Hence,
graphite (carbon) fibers are generally chosen for reflector-type applications. In other applications,
for example a radome, radar transmissibility is desired. Here, Kevlar and glass fibers are the
materials of choice.
Fiber selection should also consider mechanical and thermal properties. The salient mechanical
properties are modulus and strength. Those for thermal properties include coefficient of thermal
expansion (CTE) and thermal conductivity. Table 2 presents typical properties of some
commercially available fibers presently utilized for space and spacecraft structures.

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MATERIAL SELECTION
Table 2. Typical Fiber Properties (Axial Direction)
Trade
Name/
Type

Young's
Modulus
(Msi)

Tensile
Strength
(Ksi)

CTE

Thermal
Conduct.
(Btu/hrft-0F)

(PPM/0F)

T300

33.5

530

-0.3

AS4

33.5

530

IM7

41.1

710

-.5

0.065

T50

56.4

350

-0.55

40

0.0654

UHMS

64

550

P75S

75

300

-0.72

107

0.072

P100S

105

325

-0.8

300

0.078

Kevlar
49

18

525

-2.2

5.3

0.052

E-glass

10.5

500

2.8

0.56

0.094

S2-glass

12.6

665

3.1

0.090

Quartz

10

500

0.3

0.0795

K1100

130-145

350-550

-0.9

M46J

63.3

611

-0.5

M50J

69

569

-0.55

57

0.0672

M55J

78.2

583

-0.61

90

0.690

M60J

85.3

569

-0.61

88

0.0694

XN-50

75

530

-0.8

100

0.0773

XN-70

105

530

-0.9

180

0.0780

XN-80

114

530

-0.9

235

0.0780

Density
(Lb/in3)
0.064
0.065

0.067

550-676

.0777-.0813
0.0665

Often figures of merit (FOMs) are used in fiber selection. FOMs are ratios of composite material
properties [5,6], for which the fibers may be unidirectional or cross plied depending on the
application. Some typical FOMs are E/D, F/D, E/D/", and Ek/D, where E, F, D, ", and k denote
Young's modulus, strength, density, coefficient of thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity,
respectively.

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MATERIAL SELECTION
Broadly speaking, most structural applications fall into two categories: strength critical and
stiffness critical. The choice of fiber must be attuned to the driving design requirement of the
application. For example, in primary structure, strength is usually the dominant factor influencing
fiber selection. Therefore, F/D is the appropriate FOM for fiber selection. Whereas in secondary
structure having vibration frequency and/or deflection requirements, stiffness may be the dominant
selection factor. In this case E/D is the pertinent FOM. For dimensionally stable applications,
E/D/" is the meaningful FOM. For thermal applications, Ek/D is a relevant FOM.
Tensile strength and modulus are controlled principally by the fibers in the composite.
Compressive and shear properties, however are derived from both the fiber and matrix and the
interface (bond) between them.
The thickness of a ply or layer is also determined by the fibers, more specifically the fiber
diameter and the number of fibers in bundle or tow. Thin plies (2.5 mils or less) require low tow
counts (500 to 1000 filaments), which are not available for some fibers.
Ply flexibility, which is a function of fiber modulus and ply thickness, should be considered with
respect to part curvature. For example, the brittleness and thickness of a ply with ultra-high
modulus carbon fiber may preclude its use in fabricating a deeply curved part.
The choice of fiber also can impact the type of reinforcement form possible. For example, ultrahigh modulus graphite fibers may present weaving difficulties, which can preclude the availability
of certain fabric styles with tight weaves. The availability of fabric woven with high-modulus
fibers has improved greatly in the recent past.
Lastly, fiber selection must consider wetting, bonding, and material compatibility of the matrix
resin. A coating or sizing on the fibers is applied for these purposes. In material selection, one
should be aware of the importance of a proper coupling agent between the fibers and resin. This
is particularly important for carbon fibers. Coupling agents for carbon fibers are usually
proprietary formulations of the fiber producer or the prepreg vendor.
Reinforcement Form
Choices of fiber reinforcement forms include unidirectional and multidirectional. Selection aspects
of each form are discussed below.
The most commonly used product containing unidirectional fiber reinforcement is prepreg tape.
Unidirectional tape has collimated bundles of fibers called tows, which run in the length or long
direction of the tape. Unidirectional tape gives the ability to tailor the fiber orientations from
layer to layer in a laminate. This results in design flexibility. Also, the widest
choice of fibers are available in unidirectional tape.

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Unidirectional tape is available in a range of widths. The choice of tape width can facilitate lay-up
and can promote efficient material usage. An example of the latter is less wasted material from
cutting ply pattern details. When laying up unidirectional tape, the continuity of the fibers should
be maintained. End-to-end butt splices that result in fiber discontinuity should be avoided. On the
other hand, butting the sides of adjacent layers with parallel fibers is permissible.
Use of unidirectional tape to produce parts with deep, double curvature can prove difficult. Lay
up may be facilitated by cutting the tape into narrow strips. However, labor increases in doing so.
The most common multidirectional reinforcement form is woven fabric. Fabric weave styles can
have drastically different draping characteristics, which is an important characteristic in making
doubly-curved parts and those with integral flanges and bends. Harness-satin weaves are more
drapable than plain weaves. Other desirable characteristics of fabrics include bidirectional
properties at a minimum gage, resistance to microcracking (matrix splitting between fibers), and
good machining characteristics.
In a woven fabric, the fibers will be curved to some degree or another depending on the weave
style. Fiber curvature results in decreased composite moduli and strengths, especially in
compression. Weaving also reduces the volume available for fibers in the composite. As a result,
laminates made from woven fabric composites are less structurally efficient than those made from
unidirectional tapes.
Recent manufacturing advancements have made possible ultra-thin unidirectional and fabric
reinforced composites. These materials have been manufactured in a thickness of one mil or less
for unidirectional prepreg and about two mils for fabric prepreg. Such ultra-thin composites are
especially attractive for lightly- loaded, minimum gage structures. Here, the weight of the
structure and, importantly, the weight savings potential of the composite are directly proportional
to layer thinness. Other benefits of ultra-thin composites include less micro cracking under
thermal cycling and the potential for more homogeneous laminate stacking sequences for a given
laminate thickness. The latter usually results in improved strength due to a more thorough
interspection of ply-angle orientations in the laminate stacking. The disadvantages of ultra-thin
composites are increased handling difficulty, cost, and lead time.
Fabric prepregs may offer labor efficiency in lay ups. For example, a [0/90]* laminate needs 50%
fewer plies to be laid up using an orthogonally woven fabric, since fibers in two directions are
obtained with every ply applied. Some fabric prepregs are available with hybrid fibers, such as
carbon warp-yarns and Kevlar fill-yarns, which may provide more potential design solutions.

* Fiber angles are 0E and 90E.

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MATERIAL SELECTION
Theoretically, the possibilities of fiber type and weave style are unlimited. Practically, off-theshelf choices are limited. Certain non-standard fabrics made from high- and ultra high-modulus
fibers can be obtained from specialty weavers. The design use of such fabrics should be tempered
by cost and lead-time considerations.
Matrix Selection
The choice of prepreg matrix resin is of critical importance in fabrication. The composite part
quality is extremely dependent on the resin matrix and its handling and cure processing
characteristics. The matrix vendor is usually the vendor that makes the prepreg, i.e., incorporates
the fibers in the matrix.
Handling characteristics are most important during ply lay up. Here the tack and drape of the
prepreg are critical properties. If the prepreg is too stiff and boardy, then difficulty will be
encountered in making curved parts, such as hollow tubes. Maintenance of ply-to-ply fiber
orientations can be affected as well. If the prepreg is too sticky, then positioning and, in
particular, repositioning of layer during layup is difficult.
The handling characteristics are affected by the cumulative exposure of the resin in the prepreg to
room temperature. The time limit at room temperature is called the out-life of the prepreg. For
large parts especially, outlife should be considered in resin selection. Some resins have out-lives
as long as 30 days; others, only several days.
The resin in the prepreg determines the cure temperature of a composite part. Most epoxies and
polycyanates cure around either 2500 F or 3500 F. Polyimides cure at higher temperatures. The
cure temperature usually determines the glass transition temperature (Tg), which is associated
with the useful upper-temperature limit of a composite.* A higher cure temperature or,
alternatively, a post cure generally raises the Tg. However, a high cure temperature results in
greater cool down or residual stresses, which arise from CTE mismatches: ply to ply and fiber to
matrix. Also for elevated cure temperatures, the thermal expansion effects of cure tooling
become more critical, which adds to the difficulty in making parts and achieving desired
dimensions.
Besides the cure temperature, the prepreg resin determines other important cure characteristics,
such as rheology and viscosity. These characteristics affect consolidation of the layers, most
notably in the amount of voids or porosity produced during cure. The choice of resin should be
compatible with the consolidation process. For example, low-flow systems are usually unsuitable

*Prudent design practice is to limit the use of a composite to below its Tg. The safe number of degrees below Tg
depends upon the magnitude and direction(s) of the applied load with respect to the laminate fiber directions. It is
advisable to experimentally confirm the maximum usage temperature of a composite for a particular application.

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for vacuum-bag/oven processing. High-flow, low-viscosity systems can present difficulties in netresin (no bleed) processing, since resin leakage may be difficult to prevent.
The resin material also affects the contamination concerns of the composite: outgassing and
moisture diffusivity. For space use, a polymeric composite must pass mass-loss and condensibles
requirements, such as those defined in SP-R-0022A, MSFC-SPEC-1443 and JSC 0022-A. In
addition, moisture absorbed on the ground will be desorbed in orbit. This may result in
undesirable shrinkage for parts with strict dimensional stability requirements.
The resin must have suitable shear and extensional modulus, strength, and strain for the composite
to function correctly. Matrix shear is the mechanism through which stresses are introduced and
spread to the fibers. Matrix shear and tensile strength largely factor into the resistance of an
unidirectional layer in a laminate to microcracking from thermo-mechanical loads. Also, the resin
must have compatible extensional strain with the fibers in the composite.
Lastly, the resin material determines the toxicity of the prepreg. Resin systems with carcinogenic
compounds and other unsafe ingredients should be avoided.
Other Considerations
These considerations deal with the economics and experience with a composite. Economic
considerations include cost and availability (lead time). Experience considerations include extent
of data bases and previous successful flight applications. Some space applications are given in
publications [9] and [10]. The importance of the stability of the material supplier or vendor should
also be taken into account, as a long term source of supply is highly desirable and sometimes
essential.
Impact of Nonpractice:
Avoidance of the material selection considerations can result in a fiber composite part or
component that 1) does not satisfy design properties, 2) is unnecessarily difficult to fabricate, and
3) adds substantial program. Item 1 may lead to an expensive redesign. Item 2 can impact cost
and program schedule. Item 3 can jeopardize the entire project.
Related Guidelines:
1) Structural Laminate Composites for Space Applications, PD-ED-1217.
2) Selection of Spacecraft Materials and Supporting Vacuum Outgassing Data, PT-TE-1410.

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MATERIAL SELECTION
References:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Z. Hashin and B.W. Rosen, "The Elastic Moduli of Fiber-Reinforced Materials", ASME Journal of Applied
Mechanics, Vol. 31, 1964, pp. 223-232.
Z. Hashin, "Theory of Composite Materials", NASA CR-1974, 1972.
R.M. Christensen, Mechanics of Composite Materials, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1979.
Z. Hashin,"Analysis of Composite Materials - A Survey", ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics, Vol. 50,
1983, pp. 481-505.
DOD/NASA Advanced Composites Design Guide, Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories, Dayton, OH,
prepared by Rockwell International Corporation, 1983 (distribution limited).
Military Handbook,"Polymer Matrix Composites", MIL-HDBK-17-3C, 4 November 1992.
R.M. Jones, Mechanics of Composite Materials, Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, New York, Washington,
Philadelphia, and London, 1975.
S.W. Tsai, Composites Design, Fourth Edition, Think Composites, Dayton, Paris, and Tokyo, 1988.
M.M.Schwarz, Editor In Chief, Composite Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2nd ed., 1992.
Engineered Materials Handbook, Vol.1 - Composites, ASM International, The ASM Composite Materials
Collection, Metals Park, OH.