Skin-Core Debonding in Resin-Infused Sandwich Structures

Techniques for enhancing the interfacial fracture properties of foam-based sandwich structures are investigated. Prior to manufacture, holes were drilled into a PET foam core in order to facilitate resin flow during the subsequent resin-infusion process. Glass fibers were then inserted into the perforations in an attempt to increase the interfacial fracture toughness of the sandwich structure. The results from these tests are compared to data generated from similar tests on a plain PET core, as well as on samples in which no fiber reinforcement was incorporated into the vertical holes. The inclusion of fibers in the through-thickness holes served to increase the skin-core interfacial fracture toughness of the sandwich structures. Here, it was noted the highest values of fracture toughness were more than three times the value measured on the plain foam system. (C) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers