The evolution of an ISO standard for the mode I delamination toughness of laminates

This paper reviews the critical stages which have been passed on the road to an ISO standard for mode I delamination toughness testing of fibre reinforced polymer composites. Firstly, the ISO mechanism is reviewed and then the major technical issues relating to mode I delamination toughness testing which were encountered are described. The process by which International Standards are developed by ISO require that international consensus be achieved on the technical content. Over the past four years international consensus on many of the outstanding technical issues has been forged but at the time of writing full consensus has not yet been achieved. The activities and interactions of the three main technical committees involved in this process are appraised.