Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Study of the Flexural Strength and Low-Velocity Impact Behavior of Sandwich Structures with Basalt/Epoxy Face Sheets and a Cork Core

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hadi Rezghi Maleki 1
Pooya Parvandeh 2
1 Faculty of Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, Iran.
2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22068/jstc.2025.2055945.1917
Abstract
Sandwich composite structures are widely used across various industries. This study investigates the performance of sandwich structures with basalt/epoxy face sheets and a cork core under flexural and low-velocity impact loading. The primary objective of the research is to analyze the flexural and impact behavior of these structures and to evaluate the effect of combining a synthetic face sheet with a natural core in a sandwich configuration. Basalt fibers were used as reinforcement in the face sheets, and the cork sheet served as the core material for specimen fabrication. The samples were prepared using the hand lay-up method and were cured under specific pressure and temperature conditions. Three-point bending and drop weight impact tests were conducted to evaluate the structures' flexural and low-velocity impact behavior. The results showed that the structures exhibited high resistance to flexural loads at early stages; however, irreversible damages such as cracks and permanent deformations were observed as the load increased. The impact test examined the structural behavior under various impact energy levels. The structures absorbed much of the impact energy at low energy level and returned some of it elastically. However, as the impact energy increased, all the energy was absorbed, leading to damage such as indentation, fiber failure, and face sheet/core debonding. The findings indicate that combining basalt with a cork enhances the mechanical properties and provides acceptable impact and flexural resistance performance.
Keywords
Sandwich Structure
Cork
Basalt
Low-Velocity Impact
Three-Point Bending

Subjects

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Journal of Science and Technology of Composites
Volume 11, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 2634-2644