Laboratory expertise of composites
Do you want to assess your composite materials?
As a composite testing laboratory, FILAB supports you in the assessment, analysis and characterization of your composite materials through tailor-made guidance and the expertise of a dedicated team of specialists.
What is a composite material?
A composite is a material composed of at least two materials of different natures.
When several materials are combined, the result is a material that has all the properties of the materials used in its manufacture. This results in a high-performance final material.
A composite consists of two parts:
- a framework called reinforcement which ensures the mechanical strength of the composite material, for example: fibreglass, carbon, hemp, flax.
- a matrix which protects the reinforcement
Today there are a large number of composite materials, notably fibreglass, reinforced concrete, plywood, etc.
Why assess your composite materials?
The diversity of composite material matrices makes them complex to analyse and requires regular checks to verify the conformity of your products.
To assist you in your production or failure problems, you are looking for the support of a reliable and responsive laboratory specialising in the analysis and characterisation of composite materials.
FILAB supports you in the expertise of your composite materials
With a team of materials experts and a 5 200m² analytical park, the FILAB laboratory offers you its expertise in composite materials to help you with your industrial problems.
From the design to the development of your products based on composite materials, the FILAB laboratory provides the following services
Characterization of composite material properties: length, diameter, degree of impregnation in the mass...
Study of failures in composite materials: ageing, breakage, non-conformity, appearance of deposits or particles, etc.
Chemical analysis of the composition of the composite material from the mixtures of matrix, reinforcement and additive.
FAQ
A composite testing laboratory is a specialised facility that analyses and characterises composite materials using mechanical, chemical and thermal techniques. Its purpose is to verify performance, composition, durability and conformity.
Partnering with a composite testing laboratory ensures that your materials meet industrial, safety and regulatory requirements.
It also helps detect defects, ageing, and formulation deviations before they impact production.
A composite agent generally refers to an active component integrated into a composite material—such as an additive, coupling agent or curing agent—introduced to enhance performance (strength, adhesion, durability, etc.).
A composite testing laboratory can identify and quantify these agents within a material.
Techniques such as X-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or ultrasonic inspection can reveal internal defects such as porosity, delamination or inclusions.
A composite testing laboratory typically combines multiple techniques for precise diagnosis.
Composite analysis focuses on identifying the material’s composition and measurable properties.
Composite expertise, however, aims to understand the root cause of a defect, failure or ageing phenomenon under real conditions. A composite testing laboratory is equipped to perform both.
Yes. Through accelerated ageing tests—UV exposure, humidity cycles, thermal cycles—it is possible to simulate long-term behaviour and durability.
Sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, medical, plastics manufacturing and energy require high reliability and strict quality control for their composite materials.
