Vol.24, No.1, 2024, pp. 71–80
https://doi.org/10.69644/ivk-2024-01-0071

In recent decades composite materials have become widely used across various industries, either alongside traditional materials or as complete replacements for conventional materials and technologies. This shift is attributed to several advantages they offer, such as low mass, chemical resistance, significant load-bearing capacity, strength, adaptability to modern construction principles, and utilisation of new technologies as additive manufacturing. The first composite mate¬rials were developed and patented in the late 19th and early 20th century. For more than a century, composites have seen significant progress in terms of types, properties, technologies, and various applications. Consequently, the need for standardized practices has emerged that can only be achieved through the establishment of standards and standardization processes. Both the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) have dedicated technical committees and subcommittees focused on standards for composite materials. Each of these organisations has published approximately one hundred standards related to composites, covering terminology, properties, test methods, procedures, and more. The paper provides a concise historical overview of the development of composite materials and outlines fundamental types of composites. Additionally, it presents an analysis of the quantity and content of standards related to composites published by aforementioned standardization organisations. Statistical data regarding the publication of these standards over time and by specific area are also presented. Conclusions have been drawn based on these analyses.

Keywords: composite materials, standardization, ISO, ASTM