This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: B987/B987M − 20

Standard Specification for

Carbon Fiber Thermoset Polymer Matrix Composite Core
(CFC) for use in Overhead Electrical Conductors1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B987/B987M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D3916 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Pultruded

1.1 This specification covers carbon fiber reinforced ther- Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Rod
moset matrix composite core strength members for use in D5117 Test Method for Dye Penetration of Solid Fiberglass
reinforcing or supporting overhead electrical conductors. Reinforced Pultruded Stock
D5423 Specification for Forced-Convection Laboratory Ov-
1.2 This specification covers carbon fiber core diameters ens for Evaluation of Electrical Insulation
from 0.180 to 0.500 in. [4.57 to 12.7 mm], inclusive. D7028 Test Method for Glass Transition Temperature (DMA
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Tg) of Polymer Matrix Composites by Dynamic Mechani-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in cal Analysis (DMA)
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining Determine Conformance with Specifications
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
3. Terminology
with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.1 CFC (carbon fiber composite core/thermoset matrix),
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- n—consisting of continuous carbon fiber tows held together by
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- a polymer matrix where the polymer is specifically a thermo-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. setting polymer. The carbon fiber composite core is protected
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- with a galvanic protection barrier layer.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.2 core, n—see CFC.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.1.3 design validation tests, n—the purpose of these tests is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- to verify the suitability of the CFC design, materials, and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical method of manufacturing to meet the requirements in this
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. specification. To ensure compliance with this specification,
these tests shall be performed on composite core samples at the
2. Referenced Documents time of manufacture and be repeated whenever the design,
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date manufacturing method or the materials have changed. The
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the results of design validation tests are to be recorded and are
extent referenced herein. considered valid for the whole class of CFC.
2.2 ASTM Standards:2 3.1.4 DMA (dynamic mechanical analyzer), n—a device
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela- that measures the Tg of a polymer matrix or composite by
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement subjecting the sample to an oscillating stress while heating the
specimen at a given heating rate.
3.1.5 galvanic protection barrier layer, n—a non-conductive
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on layer that prevents the carbon fiber of the composite core from
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on making contact with the aluminum strands used in the conduc-
Conductors of Light Metals. tor.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2020. Published August 2020. Originally
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as B987/B987M – 17ɛ1. 3.1.6 glass transition temperature (Tg), n—a temperature
DOI: 10.1520/B0987_B0987M-20.
2
where the polymer matrix properties transition from a hard,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
glassy state to a rubbery state. This temperature is defined to be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the temperature at which a curve defined by plotting loss
the ASTM website. modulus versus temperature reaches its peak value.

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 B987/B987M − 20
3.1.7 loss modulus, n—represents the viscous portion of the 5.1.7 Order example: Five (5) lengths of 24 000 ft [7300 m]
polymer matrix response to the simultaneous application of each, 0.375 in. [9.53 mm] CFC, high strength grade, packaged
heat and stress; is proportional to the energy dissipated as heat onto wood nonreturnable reels, with certified test report.
by the composite sample in the DMA and reaches a maximum
value when the polymer matrix in the composite transitions 6. Materials and Manufacture
from the glassy to the rubbery state (Tg). 6.1 The CFC shall consist of carbon fibers of suitable type
3.1.8 lot, n—unless otherwise specified in the contract or that are combined with a suitable heat resistant thermoset
order, a lot shall consist of all coils of CFC of the same polymer matrix, and encased in a galvanic protection barrier
diameter, produced from one continuous run of a fiber setup, layer.
submitted for inspection at the same time. 6.1.1 The galvanic protection barrier shall meet the require-
ments set forth in this specification including thickness, mini-
3.1.9 matrix volume fraction, n—the amount of matrix resin
mum bending diameter, and dye penetrant after bending.
relative to fiber in a composite core. The matrix volume
fraction is calculated by subtracting the area of the glass and 6.2 The CFC shall meet the requirements set forth in this
carbon fibers from the total area of the part and then dividing specification, including tensile strength, glass transition tem-
by the total area of the part. perature (Tg) and minimum bending diameter.
3.1.10 polymer matrix, n—a high molecular weight organic
7. Classes of CFC
material consisting of repeating chemical structures.
7.1 The classes of CFC products shall be designated by the
3.1.11 production unit, n—a reel, spool, or other package of
individual manufacturer and are designs that meet the specified
CFC that represents a single usable length.
strength grade, and are further defined as having cores with the
3.1.12 routine tests, n—tests that are performed by the following properties:
manufacturer, and are intended to prove conformance to the 7.1.1 Meet the specified grade of strength.
specific requirements. 7.1.2 The area ratio of carbon fiber plus matrix resin to
3.1.13 sample, n—a length of composite core removed from galvanic protection layer is held within 610 %.
the start or end of a CFC lot, and considered to have properties 7.1.3 The nominal matrix volume fraction is held within
representative of the lot. 63 % in a given strength grade of CFC.
7.1.4 Use the same thermoset polymer matrix resin (includ-
3.1.14 specimen, n—a length of composite core taken from
ing any fillers that are added to the polymer matrix) and same
a lot of CFC for testing purposes.
galvanic protection system (including any fillers).
3.1.15 tow, n—a bundle, containing multiple fibers. Tow 7.1.5 Have a core diameter within 615 % of the baseline
sizes range from 1 K (1000 fibers per bundle) to 50 K (50 000 diameter used for design validation tests (see Explanatory Note
fibers per bundle). 2).
3.1.16 rated Tg—the minimum Tg value guaranteed by the
supplier of the CFC. 8. Test Classifications and Number of Tests and Retests

3.2 Product Code—Defines the strength grade for product 8.1 Test requirements are classified as either design valida-
produced to this specification: Standard Strength (Code CFC1); tion tests or routine tests as indicated in Table 1.
High Strength (Code CFC2); and Extra High Strength (Code
CFC3).
TABLE 1 Design Validation and Routine Test Classifications
4. Classification Design
Test Routine Test
Validation Test
4.1 CFC is furnished in grades, either, standard designated Tensile Test X X
CFC1, high strength designated CFC2, or extra high strength Glass Transition Temperature X X
Density X X
designated as CFC3 as specified, in conformance with the Dimensions X X
requirements of Sections 9 – 19, and meets the minimum Heat Exposure X
requirements shown in Table 2. (see Explanatory Note 1). Heat/Stress Test X
Bending Test X
Dye Penetrant after Bending Test X
5. Ordering Information Tensile Test after Bending Test X
Galvanic Protection Barrier Layer X X
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include Thickness Test
the following information:
5.1.1 Quantity and lengths of each size,
5.1.2 CFC diameter in inches or millimeters (Section 12),
5.1.3 Grade (either standard strength, high strength, or extra 8.2 Design Validation Tests:
high strength), 8.2.1 The manufacturer shall provide to the purchaser test
5.1.4 Certification (Section 23), reports that support the CFC meets the requirements in these
5.1.5 Test report, if required (Section 23), sections.
5.1.6 Package type (Section 24), and 8.3 Routine Tests:

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 B987/B987M − 20
TABLE 2 Physical PropertiesA (see Explanatory Note 1)
Standard Strength High Strength Extra High Strength
Property
Grade Grade Grade
Ultimate Tensile 250 ksi (1724 MPa) 310 ksi (2137 MPa) 375 ksi (2586 MPa)
Strength, min

Thermoset Polymer 355°F [180°C] to 482°F [250°C] 355°F [180°C] to 482°F [250°C] 355°F [180°C] to 482°F [250°C]
Matrix Tg, min

Galvanic Layer 0.015 in. 0.015 in. 0.015 in.

Thickness, min [0.38 mm] [0.38 mm] [0.38 mm]

Heat Exposure 95 % retention of rated tensile 95 % retention of rated tensile 95 % retention of rated tensile
Capacity, min strength after 52 weeks of strength after 52 weeks of strength after 52 weeks of
heat exposure heat exposure heat exposure

Bending Diameter, min 100 times diameter of CFC 50 times diameter of CFC 60 times diameter of CFC

Tensile ModulusB 16.2 Msi 16.2 Msi 21.2 Msi

(111.7 GPa) (111.7 GPa) (146 GPa)

Thermal Expansion Coefficient manufacturer’s nominal value ±5 % manufacturer’s nominal value ±5 % manufacturer’s nominal value ±5 %

Density at 20°C manufacturer’s nominal value ±5 % manufacturer’s nominal value ±5 % manufacturer’s nominal value ±5 %

Maximum continuous heat exposure capability temperature heat exposure capability temperature heat exposure capability temperature
operating temperature temperature minus 35°F [20°C] temperature minus 35°F [20°C] temperature minus 35°F [20°C]
A
Properties listed are before stranding values.
B
For informational purposes only; see manufacturer for specific values.

8.3.1 The manufacturer shall test each production lot using 10. Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) Test
samples of core of sufficient length to run all testing and 10.1 The glass transition temperature (Tg) shall be deter-
potential retests. The samples shall be taken from the start and mined in accordance with Test Method D7028.
end of the lot. Specimens from each sample shall be subjected
to the required testing. 10.2 The CFC DMA specimen shall be machined into a
8.3.2 Upon request from purchaser, the manufacturer shall rectangular shape that meets the requirements described in Test
provide test reports that support the CFC meets the require- Method D7028.
ments in these sections. 10.3 Prior to measurement in the DMA, the specimens shall
be preconditioned in accordance with Test Method D7028 to
8.4 Retesting:
determine the dry Tg of the CFC. If the test specimen is within
8.4.1 Should one or more of the test specimens from the 2 weeks of the date of manufacture, the preconditioning may
sample fail any of the tests specified, the nonconforming lot be reduced to 24 h at 221°F [105°C]. The specimen should be
may be subjected to retesting (see Explanatory Note 3). kept in a desiccator after preconditioning until testing, in
8.4.2 For retest purposes, three (3) additional specimens accordance with Test Method D7028.
may be cut from the original samples from the nonconforming
lot and tested for the property in which the original specimen 10.4 The peak in the loss modulus shall be used to deter-
from the lot failed to comply. Retests shall be performed using mine the Tg (see Explanatory Note 5). The Tg value shall meet
the area (start or end) of the lot that failed. the requirements in Table 2.
8.4.3 Should any of the retest specimens fail to meet the
11. Density
property specified, the lot represented by the test specimen
shall be rejected. 11.1 For the purpose of calculating mass per unit length,
cross-sections and so forth, the actual density of the CFC shall
9. Tensile Test be used in the determination. Density may be calculated from
mass divided by volume or determined in accordance with Test
9.1 The CFC shall conform to the tensile strength require- Method D792.
ments prescribed in Table 2.
9.2 Tensile tests on the finished CFC shall be conducted in 12. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
accordance with the test methods and definitions section of 12.1 The specified diameter of the CFC shall be expressed
Test Method D3916 (see Explanatory Note 4). in decimal fractions of an inch to three decimal places, or in
9.3 Calculation of tensile properties shall be based on the millimeters to two decimal places.
total cross sectional area of the core including the galvanic 12.2 The diameter shall be the average of the largest and
protection layer. smallest measured diameters at the same cross section, rounded

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 B987/B987M − 20
to the nearest 0.001 in. [0.01 mm] in accordance with the 16. Heat Exposure Test
rounding method of Practice E29. Measurements shall be 16.1 The purpose of this test is to determine the thermal
evenly spaced around the circumference of the cross section endurance of polymer matrix resin system to resist degradation
and a minimum of three measurements shall be taken. that can lead to loss of tensile strength. The test can be
12.3 The average diameter shall not differ by more than performed on any class of CFC that uses the same polymer
60.002 in. [0.05 mm] from the nominal diameter of the CFC. matrix resin system to qualify the resin system for all classes.
13. Bending Test (See Explanatory Note 6) 16.2 Three CFC test specimens shall be exposed to a
temperature equal to the rated Tg minus 10°F [5°C] for 52
13.1 Perform one test each on the start and end of the lot.
weeks, in air circulating ovens that meet the specifications for
Test specimens shall not fracture, including the galvanic
Specification D5423 Type I forced air circulating ovens with
protection barrier, when the CFC is wrapped 180 degrees
no tensile stress applied.
around a cylindrical mandrel, and the force on the composite
core is brought to 7.5 % of the composite core’s rated tensile 16.3 The specimens shall be cut to a length that can be used
strength and held for 60 s. for tensile testing after exposure, and all specimens in a test
13.1.1 The diameter of the cylindrical mandrel shall be group shall be heat exposed at the same time.
equal to the minimum bending diameter in Table 2. 16.4 The ends of the composite core specimens are allowed
13.1.2 The section of the composite core that is in direct to extend 6 in. [150 mm] outside the oven walls.
contact with the mandrel shall be marked so that after the
bending test, this section can be easily identified to perform 16.5 At the end of the exposure time:
post testing analysis. 16.5.1 The CFC shall show no signs of cracking or wrin-
kling after exposure.
13.2 After completion of the bending test, the specimen
16.5.2 The CFC specimens shall be tensile tested in accor-
shall be checked visually for fracturing, such as peeling of the
dance with Section 9. The CFC shall retain 95 % of its rated
fibers from the surface of the composite or a compressive type
tensile strength, in accordance with Table 2.
of failure. These types of fractures constitute failure.
13.3 If the specimens exhibit no visible fractures as de- 17. Heat/Stress Test
scribed in 13.2, then the test specimens shall be subjected to the
additional testing described in Sections 14 and 15. 17.1 A specimen of CFC of sufficient length (see Explana-
tory Note 4) shall be subjected to a 1000 h test where the core
14. Dye Penetrant Testing After Bending Test is continuously loaded at 25 % of the rated tensile strength and
14.1 One specimen taken from either of the two bending continuously exposed to a temperature of the rated Tg minus
tests described in Section 13 shall be subjected to the dye 10°F [5°C].
penetrate test. Specimens for dye penetrate testing shall be 17.2 The CFC shall be gripped according to the manufac-
taken from the part of the bending test specimen that was in turer’s suggested gripping method.
direct contact with the mandrel (where the highest stresses
would occur). 17.3 At the end of the heat exposure the CFC shall be tested
14.1.1 To detect the presence of any cracks that may have in accordance with Section 9. The CFC shall retain at least 95
formed inside the composite core during the bending test, a % of its rated tensile strength, in accordance with Table 2.
minimum of five specimens shall be tested in accordance with 17.4 The CFC shall show no signs of cracking or wrinkling
Test Method D5117. after exposure.
14.1.2 Specimens shall be placed in the dye penetrant bath
in the vertical position, with the bottom surface submerged in 18. Galvanic Protection Barrier Layer Thickness
the dye penetrant.
18.1 Determination of the minimum thickness of the gal-
14.1.3 At the completion of the test, the presence of a few,
vanic protection barrier layer shall be done by microscopic
very small, separated, wicking dots on the top surface would
examination. Specimens shall be polished and the minimum
not constitute failure. When there are cracks in the CFC, the
thickness determined using an optical comparator.
dye penetrate will wick quickly to the top surface. If the dots
18.1.1 The minimum thickness shall be at least 0.015 in.
merge and the top surface of the CFC becomes covered in dye
[0.38 mm].
penetrant to a level of 50 % surface area or greater during the
test period, then the sample has sustained damage and has
failed the test. 19. Joints
19.1 No joints shall be made in the finished CFC (see
15. Tensile Test After Bending Test
Explanatory Note 7).
15.1 One specimen taken from either of the two bending
19.2 During the production run, splicing of the galvanic
tests described in Section 13, shall be subjected to the tensile
protection barrier is allowed, provided diameter specifications
test. The specimen for the tensile test shall be selected from the
are maintained.
part of the sample that was in direct contact with the mandrel
(where the highest stresses would occur), and subjected to the 19.3 Splicing of the carbon fiber is not allowed; fibers are
tensile testing as described in Section 9. fully continuous over the entire length of the composite core.

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 B987/B987M − 20
20. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance 24. Packaging and Package Material
20.1 The CFC shall be smooth, continuous and free of 24.1 Package dimensions, kind of package (coils, reels or
imperfections consistent with good manufacturing practices. reel-less coils), and quantity (or length) of CFC in each
21. Inspection package shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and
the purchaser. Length tolerances shall be 2 % unless otherwise
21.1 The manufacturer shall be responsible for the perfor-
mance of all inspection and test requirements specified, unless specified by the purchaser.
otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order. 24.2 Each package shall contain one continuous length of
21.2 All inspections and tests shall be made at the place of CFC.
manufacture unless otherwise agreed upon between the manu-
24.3 There is a minimum bend radius required for the CFC
facturer and the purchaser at the time of purchase.
to prevent damage. The drum diameter shall not be less than 36
21.3 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector represent- in. [914 mm] for the reels used to transport the CFC.
ing the purchaser all reasonable access to manufacturer’s
facilities to satisfy him/her that the material is being furnished 24.4 The CFC wire shall be protected against damage in
in accordance with this specification. handling and shipping. A layer of paper shall be placed around
the reel first. The paper is secured to the reel using a layer of
22. Rejection and Rehearing 80 gauge stretch wrap. Finally, a protective sheet, (for example,
22.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] thick hardboard) shall be wrapped around the

this specification shall be rejected. Rejection should be re- CFC on the reel and secured with plastic bands. A durable,
ported to the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In weatherproof tag shall be securely attached to each package
case of dissatisfaction with the results of the test, all parties that displays the nominal core diameter, length, approximate
may make a claim for a rehearing. weight, lot number and unit number (if necessary), CFC grade
23. Certification and purchaser’s order number and the manufacturer’s name
and contact information.
23.1 A producer’s or supplier’s certification shall be fur-
nished to the purchaser showing that the material was
manufactured, sampled, tested and inspected in accordance 25. Keywords
with this specification and is in accordance with the specifica- 25.1 carbon fiber composite core; carbon fiber reinforced
tion. CFC; overhead conductors

EXPLANATORY NOTES

NOTE 1—The differences between the standard strength, high strength, The suggested length of the test specimen is 42 in. [1.1 m].
and extra high strength grades are due to the types or amounts of the NOTE 5—The peak of the DMA loss modulus (Tg) that is used to
carbon fibers used in production of the CFC. The fiber types (different determine if the CFC has achieved the appropriate amount of cure, differs
strength, modulus), and fiber volume fractions will lead to differences in from the method specified in Test Method D7028, which specifies the
characteristics such as density, tensile modulus and flexibility in the onset temperature be used. Due to the difficulty in choosing a low
resulting composite. The manufacturer of the CFC must, at a minimum, temperature point to determine the onset temperature, and to ensure
meet the requirements set forth in this standard in order for the CFC to be consistency between different labs making measurements on the CFC, the
qualified for supporting overhead conductors. loss modulus peak (Tg) is the preferred point in the DMA plot to determine
NOTE 2—If a new product configuration has a core diameter that if the minimum requirements specified in Section 10 have been met.
deviates by more than 15 % from the baseline configuration the design NOTE 6—The purpose of the bending test is to ensure the composite
validation tests shall be repeated using samples taken from the new core core has the appropriate flexibility. The flexibility will be dependent on the
size. type and volume fraction of the fibers in the CFC. At installation, the
NOTE 3—Should a failure occur, the manufacturer may retest if the composite core is subjected to both bending and tensile loads, often
cause of failure is suspected to be an error in the testing procedure, set-up, together. It is necessary to do this testing once to show that the CFC design
or factors other than non-conformance with the property being tested. For has the appropriate flexibility to ensure typical installation practices will
example, if a tensile test fails due to a break that occurs within the not cause a failure in the CFC.
gripping region, the failure may be due to a gripping deficiency, and that NOTE 7—The maximum length of the composite core is primarily
would be a valid cause for retesting the lot. dictated by the length of the spools of carbon fiber that are being used as
NOTE 4—To sufficiently bring the CFC to its ultimate tensile strength, the reinforcement. The manufacturer shall specify to the customer the
the purchaser should consult with the individual CFC manufacturer for the maximum length of composite core that can be produced with no joints in
best gripping method to test and secure in the field or lab environment. the carbon fiber in accordance with this standard.

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 B987/B987M − 20
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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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