Advanced Core Material for Thermoplastic Sandwich Structures

摘要

This paper describes an investigation into mechanical and thermal properties of aramid foam, a novel development by Teijin Aramid BV. Preliminary tests showed that this specific foam material allowed the manufacture of a co-consolidated carbon-PEKK sandwich panel. Following this promising start, a number of tests were performed on this foam to establish moisture absorption, chemical resistance and strength and stiffness properties. In general it can be stated that the thermal stability of the material was above the requirements for thermoplastics manufacturing and promising fire, smoke and toxicity characteristics were found. The project was concluded with design and manufacture of a scaled winglet demonstrating the potential of creating complex shaped sandwich parts with a thermoplastic facing.