ISO 11566:1996 is an ISO test method for determining the tensile properties of single carbon-fibre filaments. It is commonly used when you need filament-level data rather than yarn- or laminate-level results.
The standard applies to single filaments taken from carbon-fibre products such as multifilament yarns and related textile forms (including fabrics and braids). If you are deciding whether single-filament tensile testing is the right approach for your material form and data needs, you can talk with our team.
ISO 11566:1996 — Carbon fibre — Determination of the tensile properties of single-filament specimens
ISO 11566 describes a single-filament tensile test for carbon fibre. It focuses on testing an individual filament specimen and reporting tensile properties for that filament-based measurement approach.
This standard is typically used for fibre development, incoming fibre characterization, process comparisons, and research where filament-to-filament variation matters.
Quick Definition
Document type: Test method.
In plain terms: Pull a single carbon-fibre filament in tension under controlled conditions and determine tensile properties from the measured force and the filament’s cross-sectional information.
Typical output: Filament-level tensile performance metrics used for material comparison and quality control trending (exact reported properties depend on the edition and lab reporting requirements).
What This Standard Covers
ISO 11566 covers tensile testing of single-filament specimens of carbon fibre. The filaments may be extracted from common carbon-fibre product forms such as multifilament yarns and textile constructions (for example woven fabrics and braids).
Because the specimen is a single filament, practical details such as specimen mounting, alignment, and consistent measurement practices are central to achieving usable results.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Single-filament tensile data is often used when laminate coupon testing is not appropriate or when you want to separate fibre effects from matrix and processing effects. It is also commonly used to compare fibre batches, evaluate the impact of handling or surface treatments, and support R&D material screening.
Since results can be highly sensitive to gripping and specimen preparation, matching the intended ISO 11566 workflow is important when comparing results between labs, suppliers, or programs.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ISO 11566 is focused on carbon fibre filaments. In practice, labs apply it to filaments taken from:
- Multifilament yarns and related forms used as composite reinforcements
- Woven fabrics, braids, and other textile-based carbon-fibre products where a single filament can be extracted for testing
The method is generally selected when filament-level properties are required for qualification, investigation, or supplier comparisons.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
A typical ISO 11566 workflow includes preparing individual filament specimens, loading each filament in tension to failure, and calculating tensile properties from the measured force and the filament’s dimensional data.
Common workflow needs: Repeatable specimen handling, consistent mounting/alignment, stable force measurement at low loads, and a defined approach for filament cross-sectional characterization (since tensile stress calculations depend on it).
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
Single-filament tensile testing usually requires equipment configured for low-force, high-sensitivity measurement and specialized fibre specimen handling.
Common equipment: A universal testing machine or micro-tensile frame with an appropriate low-capacity load cell, fibre-appropriate grips/fixtures for single filaments, and dimensional measurement tools for filament diameter/cross-sectional evaluation.
If you are selecting a frame capacity, load cell range, or gripping approach for carbon-fibre filaments, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your specimen format and throughput goals.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
Designation format: ISO 11566:1996 indicates the ISO standard number and the publication year (1996).
Status note: ISO’s catalog record indicates the 1996 edition was last reviewed and confirmed in 2021 and remains current; when test data is being compared across suppliers or programs, it is good practice to record the exact edition cited.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
Single-filament tensile reporting commonly relies on a defined approach to determining filament diameter and cross-sectional area. ISO 11566 is often used alongside ISO documents that address filament dimensional characterization (for example ISO 11567) and broader laboratory conditioning practices when required by a test plan.
When a customer specification references multiple fibre test methods, align the specimen source (yarn, tow, fabric extraction), dimensional measurement approach, and reporting format across the set to avoid mismatched data.
Get help selecting a single-filament tensile setup
If you are building or upgrading capability for ISO 11566 testing, we can help you map the standard’s intent to a practical system (frame/load cell range, fibre gripping approach, and measurement workflow). Share your filament form and expected strength range and ask for a quote.