Xps and Pet Core Material Effect With Different Stacking Sequence on Flexural Strength of Glass Fiber-reinforced Sandwich Composites
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Sandwich composites are preferred in many sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and construction due to their lightweight nature and high tensile and flexural strength. In this study, the flexural strength properties of glass fiber reinforced sandwich composites were investigated. The core materials were used as extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET); the matrix material was epoxy. The sandwich composites were produced by resin infusion under flexible tool method by bonding them with glass fibers on the outer surfaces. Surface laminates consisting of glass fiber reinforced epoxy material were arranged according to two stacking orders: 0°/-45°/+45°/90° (Type I) and 90°/-45°/+45°/0° (Type II). Three-point bending tests were used for mechanical performance evaluations. Stereo microscope analysis was applied to examine the surface images. According to the test results, it was observed that Type I samples had higher maximum loads than Type II samples; XPS Type I reached 355 N (±5 N) and PET Type I reached 1375 N (±25 N). In addition, layer separation and cohesive matrix fractures were observed.
Authors: Taha Yasin Eken, Deniz Uzunsoy, Cihan Kaboğlu
Institution: Bursa Technical University
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214349697