Investigation in to nanoclay reinforced foam-filled composite sandwichstructure under high velocity impact

This study investigates ballistic performance of nanoclay reinforced polyurethane foam core composite sandwich panels. The sandwich structure consists of composite facing made from glass fiber woven roving reinforced unsaturated polyester resin and rigid polyurethane foam core with density of 49 kg/m3. High velocity impact tests in range of 100-140 m/s were conducted with 10.7 g semi-spherical tip steel projectile. The nanoclay was used in 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 3wt% in the foam core. Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) showed sample containing 0.5wt% nanoclay has better clay dispersion. Results showed higher ballistic performance for the specimens containing 0.5wt% nanoclay.

Keywords:

Ballistic impact , Composite sandwich panels , Foam density , nanoclay