Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Sandwich composites provide excellent structural integrity for a variety of
applications. In this study pristine and functionalized 30 nrn Silicon Carbide
nanoparticles are infused into a low density polyurethane foam used for the inner core
of the sandwich structure. The mechanical properties are characterized using
compressive, tensile, and flexural tests. A plane-strain fracture test and a TSD (Tilted
Sandwich Debond) test characterize the fracture properties of the foam and the coreskin
interface. Thermal characterization is carried out using Dynamic Mechanical
Analysis (DMA) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). FTIR spectral analysis
reveals changes in molecular bonding due to pristine and functionalized nanoparticle
infusion. The fracture resistance of the foam is improved and the delamination
strength of the sandwich construction with nanophased cores is dramatically
improved. The TSD testing indicated that the G1c value rose from 0.14 kJ/m^2 in the
neat foam to 0.56 kJ/m^2 with just 0.1 wt% of SiC nanoparticle inclusion reflecting an
enhancement of almost 300%.
applications. In this study pristine and functionalized 30 nrn Silicon Carbide
nanoparticles are infused into a low density polyurethane foam used for the inner core
of the sandwich structure. The mechanical properties are characterized using
compressive, tensile, and flexural tests. A plane-strain fracture test and a TSD (Tilted
Sandwich Debond) test characterize the fracture properties of the foam and the coreskin
interface. Thermal characterization is carried out using Dynamic Mechanical
Analysis (DMA) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). FTIR spectral analysis
reveals changes in molecular bonding due to pristine and functionalized nanoparticle
infusion. The fracture resistance of the foam is improved and the delamination
strength of the sandwich construction with nanophased cores is dramatically
improved. The TSD testing indicated that the G1c value rose from 0.14 kJ/m^2 in the
neat foam to 0.56 kJ/m^2 with just 0.1 wt% of SiC nanoparticle inclusion reflecting an
enhancement of almost 300%.
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