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Water Uptake of Fiber Reinforced Syntactic Foams
Abstract
Syntactic foams, or structured foams, are frequently used in a wide array of systems that demand the low density of a foam, but higher mechanical properties than can be achieved by traditional foam systems. Such applications include core materials in sandwich composites, low density structures for increased buoyancy in naval structures, and various sporting goods materials. Specifically, in the context of naval structures, stability in a submerged environment is of concern. This study examines the water absorption behavior of fiber reinforced syntactic foams. Samples were manufactured on a pilot scale sheet molding compound (SMC) manufacturing line. Glass bubbles (GB) of various diameters were used in order to elucidate the effect of GB surface area to volume ratio. Tensile testing of hydrothermally aged samples was also conducted to determine the effect on tensile modulus and strength of these composites.
DOI
10.12783/asc35/34965
10.12783/asc35/34965