Technology is advancing with a dizzying speed. We encounter with new materials, new concepts in our daily life, all the time. One of the words we often hear with technology is “composite”. Well, what is composite? The new material obtained by combining at least two different materials is called composite material.
Compared to traditional materials, composite is more stable and lighter. Also, design of the composite materials is easier. The material obtained is fire resistant. Moreover, it is environmental friendly.
For those reasons, the use of composite materials is becoming increasingly common in every field. From aerospace to defense industry, from automotive to dental treatment, composite material is now used in various areas.
Sandwich panels with Nidaplast honeycomb that used in furniture industry
Core Materials
Basically, fibers and resins are combined with various production methods, resulting in composite materials becoming more rigid, more durable and lighter due to the addition of core materials to the structure.
Thanks to the core materials, the thickness of the composite structure increases while the weight increases slightly. The composites obtained by using the core materials are expressed as sandwich composites. The most commonly used core materials are; honeycombs and foams.
Polypropylene parts are used for vehicles
Honeycomb
Honeycomb-shaped core material consisting of very thin cells with hexagonal geometry; can be produced by using polypropylene (PP), aramid, aluminum, and paper. Honeycomb-looking core materials are used in structures that require high mechanical strength, especially when the impact energy is wanted to be absorbed.
Sandwich composites obtained using PP honeycomb core materials are preferred, especially in the automotive, marine and construction sectors. PP honeycomb core materials has been developed with special additives to meet the non-flammability standards.
Foams
With foam based core materials that obtained from polymeric materials, very light sandwich composite structures can be produced. PET, PVC, Polyurethane, SAN based foams which can be produced with density values between 40-300 kg/m3 offer excellent strength/weight ratio.
PET-based foams are especially preferred for sandwich structures where advanced fire resistance is desired. The material structure of PET is highly flame retardant and smoke and toxic gas emissions are lower than other foams.
3Dcore
Advanced Technology Foams
With the help of technological achievements, improving properties of core materials is obtained. Fiber-containing foams are called as a high-tech core materials. Higher strength sandwich composite structures can be obtained after the foam structure is reinforced in many ways with fibers.
This new generation of core materials attracts particular interest from the automotive and construction industry.
Burak Darcan
Founder – General Manager
Tila Kompozit Temsilcilik İç ve Dış Tic. Ltd. Şti.
