New "sandwich" structures conformed from three dimensional

• Main Authors: Juan J. Alba, Miguel A. Jiménez, A. Miravete
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 1996-03-01
• Series: Materiales de Construccion
• Online Access: http://materconstrucc.revistas.csic.es/index.php/materconstrucc/article/view/539

Poor interlaminar properties as well as poor-skin-to-core adhesion properties are very often the common existing problems we find when designing with "sandwich" structures. A new type of 3D-fabric "sandwich" structure is being developed in order to avoid these problems. Although the manufacturing process is very simple, a very complex "sandwich" structure is obtained as a result of the complexity of the 3D-fabric used. This 3D-fabric is a 3D woven glass fabric produced on velvet weaving machines with glass yarns. It is an integrally woven "sandwich" laminate for all kinds of composite products. The strength of the vertical fibers makes, that also after impregnation with a resin matrix, the "sandwich" structure is maintained. The result is a laminate with high strength and stiffness and low weight. On each side of this "sandwich" laminate additional reinforcement materials can be laminated and a synthetic foam can be injected in the hollow structure. This will allow to establish the mechanical properties of a finished product.