TESTING APPARATUS FOR TESTING GAS PERMEABILITY ON THICKNESS DIRECTION OF PLASTIC MATRIX

An apparatus for testing the gas permeability on the lateral direction of a resin matrix composite material layer, comprising: a mold (1), a loading apparatus (2), a temperature control apparatus (3), a vacuuming apparatus (6), and a flow detecting element (4). The mold (1) is constituted by at least a cavity and a covering plate sealing the cavity. Sealing elements are accommodated within the cavity. A test specimen is laid flat between the sealing elements and is sealed airtight by the sealing elements except for two ends of the test specimen on the lateral direction of the resin matrix composite material layer. An air inlet and an air outlet respectively are arranged on the mold (1) and correspond to the two ends of the test specimen not being sealed airtight, wherein the inlet is connected to the flow detecting element (4) and the outlet is connected to the vacuuming apparatus (6). By providing a force for air to move in a vacuumed cavity along the lateral direction of the pre-impregnated resin matrix composite material layer, the apparatus allows for testing of the air permeability of the pre-impregnated material along the lateral direction of the resin matrix composite material layer. Testing of air permeability of pre-impregnated material in solidification technique is allowed via adjustments of pressure and temperature.