The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits Number

2215 Sanders Road • Northbrook, IL 60062-6135 2.4.4.1

Subject
Flexural Strength of Laminates (at Elevated
Temperature)
Date Revision
12/94 A
IPC-TM-650 Originating Task Group
TEST METHODS MANUAL MIL-P-13949 Test Methods Task Group (7-11b)

1.0 Scope This test method is designed to determine the movement shown in Table 1. The error in the load measuring
flexural strength of laminates of the thicknesses greater than, system shall not exceed ± 1%. The loading nose and supports
or equal to, 0.51 mm [0.020 in] by applying a specific load to shall have cylindrical surfaces. The radius of nose and support
a specified sized and shaped specimen at elevated tempera- shall be at least in accordance with ASTM-D-790 (in order to
ture. avoid excessive indentation).

2.0 Applicable Documents 4.2 Test chamber designed to shroud the specimens, test
ASTM-D-790 Flexural properties of unreinforced and rein- jaws and movable shafts as an integral part of the tester, or
forced plastics and electrical and insulating materials. equivalent. Chambers must be capable of maintaining the test
temperature as shown in Table 2 to within ± 3°C [5.4°F].
IPC-TM-650
Method 2.3.6, Etching Ammonium Persulfate 4.3 Etching system capable of complete removal of metallic
Method 2.3.7, Etching Ferric Chloride cladding.
Method 2.3.7.1, Cupric Chloride Etching
Method 2.4.25, Glass Transition Temperature and Cure 4.4 Measuring devices capable of measuring specimen
Factor by DSC width to the nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in] and specimen thick-
ness to the nearest 0.0025 mm [0.0001 in].
3.0 Test Specimens
5.0 Procedure
3.1 Size and Configuration Dimensions of the specimens
shall be as shown in Table 1. Edges of the specimens shall be 5.1 Specimen Preparation
free of fractures, delamination, or roughness by means of
sanding or other equivalent means (do not radius the edges). 5.1.1 When applicable, etch off all metallic cladding in
accordance with accepted industry practices. For referee test-
3.2 Quantity and Sampling Unless otherwise specified, ing, etching shall be in accordance with 2.3.6, 2.3.7, or
four test specimens shall be cut from the lengthwise direction 2.3.7.1
of the sample sheet or panel.
5.1.2 Cut specimens to the size as shown in Table 1 and
4.0 Apparatus or Material
smooth the edges of specimens. Measure and record speci-
men width to the nearest 0.0025 mm [0.001 in], and thickness
4.1 Tester A standard tension and compression test appa-
to the nearest 0.0025 mm [0.0001 in].
ratus, which can be operated at a constant rate of crosshead
Table 1
Specimen Dimensions Test Parameters
1 2 3
Nominal thickness Width Length Span Speed of testing
mm [inches] mm [inches] mm [inches] mm [inches] mm [inches] per min.
0.79 [0.031] 25.4 [1.0] 63.5 [2.5] 15.9 [0.625] 0.51 [0.020]
1.57 [0.062] 25.4 [1.0] 76.2 [3.0] 25.4 [1.0] 0.76 [0.030]
2.36 [0.093] 25.4 [1.0] 88.9 [3.5] 38.1 [1.5] 1.02 [0.040]
3.18 [0.125] 25.4 [1.0] 101.6 [4.0] 50.8 [2.0] 1.27 [0.050]
6.35 [0.250] 12.7 [0.5] 152.4 [6.0] 101.6 [4.0] 2.03 [0.080]
1.) Nominal thicknesses other than those listed shall be prepared and tested in accordance with the next greater nominal thickness.
2.) Width as cut and smoothed to within 5% of nominal shown.
3.) Length as cut (not necessary to smooth) to within 10% of nominal shown.

Material in this Test Methods Manual was voluntarily established by Technical Committees of the IPC. This material is advisory only
and its use or adaptation is entirely voluntary. IPC disclaims all liability of any kind as to the use, application, or adaptation of this Page 1 of 2
material. Users are also wholly responsible for protecting themselves against all claims or liabilities for patent infringement.
Equipment referenced is for the convenience of the user and does not imply endorsement by the IPC.
 IPC-TM-650
Number Subject Date
2.4.4.1 Flexural Strength of Laminates (at Elevated Temperature) 12/94

Revision
A

Table 2
Resin Type Thickness Test Temperature
Difunctional, tetrafunctional epoxies ALL 125°C
Hot Strength Retention Epoxies Up to 1.6 mm [0.063 inch] 190°C
High Temperature Epoxies 1.6 mm [0.063 inch] and over 170°C
BT- epoxies ALL 170°C
Modified epoxies
Polyimide of Tg greater than 250°C1 ALL 204°C
1
Polyimides of Tg less than or equal to 250°C ALL 170°C
Cyanate Esters ALL 204°C
1
Tg measured by IPC-TM-650, Test Method 2.4.25

5.2 Measurement 5.3.1 Calculate the flexural strength for each specimen
using the formula below:
5.2.1 Set tester for the required span and crosshead verti-
S = 3PL
cal speeds, as specified in Table 1.
2bd2

5.2.2 Align the loading nose and supports so that the axis of S = Flexural strength in Psi
the cylindrical surfaces are parallel, and the loading nose is
P = Load at breakage (pounds)
midway between the supports.
L = Span, inch
5.2.3 Condition specimens within the test chamber, for one
b = Width of specimen
hour at the temperature specified (see Table 2, or the appli-
cable specification). d = Thickness

5.2.4 Center the specimen on the supports with the long 5.3.2 Average the flexural strengths and record in psi.
axis of the specimen perpendicular to the loading nose and
supports and stabilize for 2 minutes at temperature. 5.3.3 The specimen thicknesses, average Psi, and test tem-
perature shall be reported.
5.2.5 Apply the load at the speed of testing from Table 1
until the specimen breaks. The load at breakage shall be 6.0 Notes None
recorded in pounds (P).
6.1 Additional information and background useful to the per-
5.3 Calculation and Report formance of the test may be found in ASTM-D-790.

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