Manufacturing and Mechanical Characterization of Bio-Based Laminates and Sandwich Structures

Abstract

Jute fabric is well-known reinforcing material in composite science, however, there is a necessity to treat these fabrics to reduce moisture uptake and improve properties. Nevertheless, every modification increases the cost and reduces the possible applications. Presented research deals with an investigation of possibility to use untreated jute in various fabric weight as a reinforcing material in sandwich structures facings. Untreated jute reinforcements and two types of cork cores were saturated in one step during vacuum infusion creating a lightweight sandwich composite. All samples were mechanically tested in three-point bending test. Experimental results showed the most appropriate material combination and produced sandwich structure are proposed for design applications.