Guideline to

Core and Sandwich

 Introduction to sandwich
This document has been written to spread knowledge about sandwich and
understanding of its behavior.

1.1 Why sandwich?

It has long been known that by separating two materials below). This distinction, along with many other drivers
with a lightweight material in between it will increase the such as the environmental benefits, extreme cost savings,
structure’s stiffness and strength at very low weight and and freedom of design, are causing sandwich to become
cost (see further explanation in “The sandwich principle” more and more popular in structural design.

1.1.1 Weight benefits

One of the most driving reasons to use sandwich is that solution enables faster and smaller robots. Within
the concept enables lightweight construction. The energy- theatre, it enables fast set changes between scenes. In
saving benefits are described in the previous section, construction, a bridge or façade facilitates fast, effective
but it also enables faster and more effective solutions in installation. In transportation, lower weight in containers
many cases. Sports equipment is one segment for which or vessel construction enables higher payloads. Clearly,
strength and speed are important. Another is racing, such the benefits of lightweight solutions go on and on.
as sailing, speed boats etc. In industry, a lightweight

1.1.2 Environmental benefits

Obviously, anything that moves consumes energy, and environmental impact of material choice in the beginning
the heavier it is, the more energy consumed. Since using (energy) and in the end (recycling) of a vessel’s life cycle
sandwich makes structural designs lighter, sandwich is minor (as long as the material choice saves weight) in
solutions are extremely environmentally friendly. With comparison with the vessel’s fuel savings over its lifetime.
a sandwich solution, less material is consumed in the
construction, thus saving resources as well as weight In addition to this, there are other savings when designing
in the final construction, making the construction less with sandwich:
energy consuming over its lifetime. • “Lower consumption of natural resources while building
To illustrate the impact weight has on the environ- the vessels
ment, follow any kind of vessel – whether airplane, bus, • “More efficient transportation of material to the
train or a car – through its lifetime (25 years). Every kilo production facilities, more loading per shipment
saved in its construction results in less energy needed to • “Lighter equipment in the assembly line
move people or materials around the world. Less energy
expended every day for 25 years saves the environment A simplified comparison between a steel panel and a
from enormous amounts of pollutants. Due to increasing composite panel is shown under the heading “Basics of
fuel costs, industries in many segments are also real- sandwich composite,” demonstrating and explaining the
izing that it is not only good for the environment, but it potential weight savings from using sandwich.
also costs less to design with lightweight solutions. The

2 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

 Figure 1.1: A weight spiral showing the value of the Diab Sandwich Concept.

1.1.3 Design benefits

Sandwich is appreciated for allowing freedom in design, kind of form until the final stage of production in which it
as opposed to conventional construction materials such as gets its final shape (see manufacturing processes to gain
metals and wood, which are usually limited in their shape a better understanding). This allows for non-linear and
from the beginning. When building composite sandwich smooth designs, which can be done not only for esthetic
structures, the materials are shapeable in almost any reasons but also for aerodynamic reasons.

1.1.4 Additional benefits

Although the properties listed below are not always among

the driving factors behind the decision to design in sandwich,
they save cost and increase the value of the design.
• Thermal insulation
• Sound insulation
• Non corrosive
• Very low water absorption

Figure 1.2: An example of creative design with

sandwich composites, Ascalon sculpture, St. George’s
Cathedral, Australia
 1.2 Basics of composite sandwich

The intention here is not to help design engineers with duction to how sandwich works using illustrations and
how to design sandwich panels, but to give a basic intro- simplifications for those who are new to sandwich.

1.2.1 The sandwich principle

Sandwich-structured composites are a special class of The sandwich is analogous to an endless I-beam in the
composite materials with the typical features of low sense that when subjected to bending, the flanges carry
weight, high stiffness, and high strength. Sandwich is in-plane (as do the sandwich skins or laminates) compres-
fabricated by attaching two thin, strong, and stiff skins, sion and tension loads and the web carries shear loads (as
laminates to a lightweight and relatively thick core. does the structural sandwich core). As with a traditional
I-beam, when the flanges (skins) are further apart, the
structure gains more proportional stiffness. A thicker core
achieves the same, but it also provides an overall low den-
sity, resulting in a high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
The comparison between a steel panel and a compos-
ite sandwich panel illustrated below indicates the poten-
tial of weight savings from using sandwich.
Figure 1.3: Illustration showing the analogy between a sandwich With the same criteria for deflection, the weight
composite beam and a I-beam made of steel. savings with sandwich design is almost 90%. Additional
benefits with sandwich construction are thermic insula-
tion, acoustic dampening, buoyancy, non-corrosiveness,
and increased impact resistance.
As with all beams or panels the stiffness is closely re-
lated to the thickness. One of the big differences between
designs with conventional materials and a sandwich com-
posite solution is the small weight penalty an increased
thickness yields.

Figure 1.4: Comparison of composite panel and steel panel made of

“standard materials”

Figure 1.5: Graph illustrating the

effect on stiffness and weight in a
sandwich panel with increasing
thickness of the core material.

Weight 39 kg/m² Weight 4.3 kg/m²

Deflection 30 mm Deflection 30 mm
Safety factor 3 Safety factor 5.7

4 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

1.2.2 Description of Sandwich

A typical sandwich consists of upper and lower skins with

a, in comparison, much thicker core in between.

Figure 1.6: Illustration of sandwich panel

Each part in a sandwich has its particular function and is It is the sandwich structure as a whole that gives the
described below. positive effects. However, it should be mentioned that the
core has to fulfill the most complex demands. Strength in
a) Faces different directions and low density are not the only prop-
The faces carry the tensile and compressive stresses in erties that the core has to have. Often there are special
the sandwich. The local flexural rigidity is so small it can demands for buckling, insulation, absorption of moisture,
often be ignored. Conventional materials such as steel, ageing resistance, etc.
stainless steel and aluminum are often used for face ma- The core can be made of a variety of materials, such as
terial. In many cases, it is also suitable to choose fiber or wood, aluminum, and a variety of foams.
glass-reinforced plastics as face materials. These materi-
als are easy to apply. Reinforced plastics can be tailored to c) Adhesive (bonding layer)
fulfill a range of demands like anisotropic mechanical prop- To keep the faces and the core cooperating with each
erties, freedom of design, excellent surface finish, etc. other, the adhesive between the faces and the core must
Faces also carry local pressure. When the local pres- be able to transfer the shear forces between them. The
sure is high, the faces should be dimensioned for the adhesive must be able to carry shear and tensile stresses.
shear forces connected to it. It is hard to specify the demands on the joints. A simple
rule is that the adhesive should be able to take up the
b) Core same shear stress as the core.
The core’s function is to support the thin skins so that
they do not buckle (deform) inwardly or outwardly and to
keep them in relative position to each other.
To accomplish this, the core must have several impor-
tant characteristics. It has to be stiff enough to keep the
distance between the faces constant. It must also be so
rigid in shear that the faces do not slide over each other.
The shear rigidity forces the faces to cooperate with each
other. If the core is weak in shear, the faces do not cooper-
ate and the sandwich will lose its stiffness.
 Structural core material’s
2.1 Scope

There is a variety of core materials available on the market in fact anything that carries a load can be claimed to be
and many of them claims to be suitable also as structural a structural core material. However in the following core
core materials. There is no valid definition or line between materials which’s main purpose usually are in structural
pure insulation core material and structural core materials, load carrying designs are described.

2.2 Structural foam Cores

There are many different foam core available on the following. Insulation materials and other core materials
market, based on different chemistry and processing which main purpose are aimed to other than structural
techniques, but only a few will be covered shortly in the design are not covered.

2.2.1 IPN, Inter Penetrating Network foams

The unique combination of cross linked polyurea and PVC

yields impressive mechanical performance to a very low
weight. PVC foam has almost become a trade name even
though it actually is a combination of almost equal parts
of polyurea and PVC –thus the label IPN, inter penetrating
network. The material does not contain hazardous plasti-
cizers or substances. Diab have a wide range of cores which
almost all springs from the traditional Divinycell H grade Figure 2.1: Divinycell PVC Foams
which has been available on the market for many decades.
The original recipe of cross-linked foam goes a long
way back and since then there has been a lot of devel-
opment in both process and chemistry of Cross Linked
PVC’s. The range has developed into new grades to meet
customer needs and demands.

2.2.2 PET foam

PET foam, or Divinycell P, is manufactured of thermoplastic possible it is favorable to turn the foam in the perpen-
polyethylene terephthalate which results in a thermo- dicular direction of the sheet. This achieved by welding
plastic foam. PET has excellent thermal stability. However, the sheets together and then cut it up in desired sheet
to achieve physical properties comparable with IPN/PVC, thicknesses.
higher product densities needs be used. Another benefit with PET is that it is possible to reuse
To increase its mechanical properties as much as process scrap in production.

6 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

2.2.3 PES foam

Divinycell F is made from extrusion of thermoplastic poly- regulations and prepreg compatibility. However, PES not
ethersulfone (PES). It has a unique high service tempera- only provides the same benefits, but it is also offers other
ture for thermoplastics. It offers excellent fire, smoke, and benefits such as; heat- and cold form, very low water
toxicity properties. Furthermore, it is non-hygroscopic, absorption. Since it is foam it is easy to shape and trim to
superior damage/impact performance and improved die- desired shape, which takes away the need of edge filling.
lectric properties. The closed cell structure reduce moisture uptake over
Divinycell F offers a lot of benefits in several aerospace time considerably.
segments, which usually focus on honeycombs due to fire Process scrap such as off-cuts is recycled in production.

2.3 Balsa cores

Balsa, or as Diab product is labeled, Divinycell ProBalsa is

still a very popular structural core material which is used in
many different applications. To utilize the balsa wood prop-
erties it needs to be trimmed, weighed, sorted and glued.
To get the most out of balsa the natural fibers needs
to be oriented in the perpendicular direction of the sheet,
which is done by gluing the timber together, turn it and
slice it up in correct thicknesses. The effect of this reorien-
tation of the “balsa cells” is that it increases the shear and
compression properties of the balsa vastly.
A concern with balsa is the risk of moisture uptake as
with all wood materials, which makes it susceptible to rot
if not properly installed or maintained. Figure 2.2: Balsa core material
 Mechanical properties – terminology
There is a lot of technical data available on core materials, presented and published in a variety
of ways. However, there are rarely any fundamental explanations in the information provided.
The following is a simple introduction to core materials, describing their mechanical behavior
and typical material characteristics with the aim to get to a basic understanding of core materi-
als and mechanical engineering.

Terminology Stress
In materials science is a material’s ability to withstand an Stress describes the forces acting within a material due
applied load without failure, i.e., strength is a material’s to an applied load, i.e., stress is a measurement of the
capacity to carry loads. Strength in structural core materi- amount of forces there are acting within a material at a
als is measured through mechanical testing (see example certain load.
in “Core material behavior under loading” on page 17), and
there are several standards to follow “Material informa- Deformation
tion” on page 27. It is customary in the industry to public Is a material’s change in geometry due to an applied load.
ally provide nominal values on strength values; however,
when doing structural design, it is recommended to use Strain
certified minimum values to make sure correct safety Describes the trend of deformation and is measured as

factors are used. Strength is usually measured in compres- deformation per unit length.

sion, tensile and shear (see below).

Elastic modulus
Yield strength Or modulus of elasticity, is the mathematical description
Yield strength is the lowest strength that produces a of a material’s tendency to be deformed elastically when
permanent deformation in a material, i.e., a material’s a force is applied to it -commonly described as how “stiff”
yield strength describes how much load stress it can take a material is. The relationship between deformation and
before having a permanent deformation (damage). stress determines a material’s elastic modulus.

3.1 Strength and stress scenarios on core material

Compressive strength Compressive stress

A material’s compressive strength describes how much When a material is subjected to a compressive load, the
compressive stress it can take in compressive loading stress within the material increases.
before it deforms or brakes.

P P

P P
Figure 3.1: Test specimens in compression test

8 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

Tensile strength Tensile stress
A material’s tensile strength describes the limit of tensile When a material is subjected to a tensile load, the stress
stress it can take before failure. within the material increases.

P P

P P
Figure 3.2: Test specimens in tensile test

Shear
A material’s shear strength describes how much stress it sandwich construction and possibly also the most difficult
can take in shear loading before it deforms or brakes. Shear to understand, but by using of the metaphor of a book,
strength is probably the most common design criteria in shear can be illustrated in a way that is easier to grasp.

Figure 3.3: A paper book before and after its pages has been glued together

Imagine the core consists of pages in a paperback book. covers of the book are relatively thin so they will not take
It is easy to bend the book if there is no shear strength much of the shear stresses as the pages in the book slide
(glue or friction) between the pages, however it is almost (shear) past each other.
impossible to bend if the shear strength is high (glued Shear testing can be performed in several way’s to
together). As with the skins in a sandwich structure, the determine a materials behavior in shear.

Figure 3.4: Three-point bending test can be used to measure a core materi- Figure 3.5: A cutout of the sandwich beam, showing stress reactions in core
als’ shear strength. and skins du to loading.
 Shear testing can also be performed as illustrated below,
in which the specimen is glued in between two rigid steel
brackets (shown in grey), which are then pulled apart to
force the material to brake in shear.

Shear strength Shear stress

A material’s shear strength describes how much stress it When a material is loaded in shear, the stress within the
can take in shear loading before it deforms or brakes. material increases. That is, the material resists the “slid-
ing” within the material.

P P

P P
Figure 3.6: Test specimens in shear test

Updated data on core materials mechanical properties are available on diabgroup.com

3.2 Core material behavior under loading

All materials behave differently under loading, which has a

big impact on the performance of the final application.
There is a lot of excellent literature available that gets
into real depth in materials science and sandwich theory,
but rarely something from a “common sense manner”. The
intention with this chapter is not to learn how to engineer
with core materials, but to get a basic understanding of
differences in stiffness and strength between materials
as well as to get an a background to the terminology used
when describing core materials.
Brittleness, elongation, modulus, strain, stress,
stiffness etc. are words commonly used to describe a core
materials behavior, however many of these words are
without a deeper meaning to many, hopefully the follow-
ing can connect theory and reality a bit.
By the use of a fictive tensile test the mechanics and
theoretical behavior of a material is described. In the
following theoretical and practical reflections are done
during the different stages of the fictive test to describe a
core material’s behavior. Figure 3.7: Core material that has been tested in tensile.

10 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

3.2.1 Fictive test

Three different materials are tested simultaneously, is a continuous log of the force used to pull, as well as a
labeled as A, B, and C, the only difference among them at continuous log of the deflection of the materials.
the beginning of the test is the color. To be able to get a
feeling of the materials a stress-strain curve will be devel- Sequence 1
oped from achieved test results (described in more detail As in the previous illustrations, the grey areas illustrate
further on). steel brackets used to apply the load. In the first illustra-
To get the data needed to do a stress-strain curve, tions, there is no load applied and the deflection, strain is
the three materials are mounted in a pulling machine. The 0 mm, as is the time.
machine will pull the three materials apart while there

Sequence 2
In sequence 2, a load has been applied (the same for all recorded in the graphs below the illustration. As can be
three samples) and some time has elapsed. Applied force noted, there are different amounts of deflection, where
and deflection, elongation (how much it has moved) is sample C has stretched out a bit more than the others.
 Sequence 3
In snapshot three of this simulation, there is a noticeable This far in the testing, the materials still have not reached
difference between the three samples. It can be noticed in the plasticity area. They are still in the elastic area. In other
the plots that there is still a very linear behavior in the ma- words, there is still no permanent damage to the test
terials. The ratio between force and deflection is constant materials (see sequence 3b).
at this stage.

Sequence 3b
If the loads on the test specimen are released this far into the materials were subjected to loads below their plastic
the test, see above, the materials will go back to their orig- capacity. It can also be expressed in this way: the materials
inal states as well as their mechanical performance - or at are loaded within their elastic capabilities.
least very close to their origin. The reason for this is that

12 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

Sequence 4
Let’s see what happens as the test continues. The illustra- still in a linear state while material B starts to get stretched
tion below shows that some time later material C has broken out faster (elongation in the material has increased because
due to too high loading. Apparently, the material’s strength the stresses in the material are not linear to the elongation
was not strong enough to carry the load. Checking the plot anymore). Material A is still in the elastic region and the
from the test equipment, it can be seen that material A is deflection in relation to the other materials is still minor.

Sequence 5
The test is finished, and material A and B have cracked into yielded three plots, which can be used to further analyze
two parts, while material C is still in one unit but deformed the materials.
and without any structural performance left. The testing
 3.2.2 Stress-strain relation

There are three fictive graphs in the test illustrated above, to draw a graph, which shows the relationship between
which log force and deformation. These will be used fur- stress and strain, elongation in the test specimens. Mate-
ther to learn more about the tested fictive materials. rial B provided a noteworthy stress-strain curve, which is
But first, to be able to make a stress-strain curve, the interesting to analyze further (see graph).
stress and the strain need to be calculated.

Stress
The stress (forces in the material) can be calculated with
the following well-known formula:
σ = P÷A
Where;
σ = Stress (MPa)
P = Load (N)
A = Area of test sample
The magnitude of the force and the area of the samples
are known from the testing, thus the stress can be calcu-
lated over time or throughout the test cycle. Figure 3.9: Obtained stress strain graph

Strain As mentioned previously, the first slope in the graph

Strain is the deformation per unit length (how much a shows the material’s behavior in the elastic area, in which
material deforms under loading. the stresses and elongation are in proportional relation-
ε = δl÷l ship. This part is called the linear or elastic area. Elasticity
Where; is a material’s ability to return to its shape after stress is
ε = Strain (%) released (i.e., as long as the material is strong enough to
δl = Length of deformation (mm) be within the linear area, it will return to its original sta-
l = Original length (mm) tus). However, this is only valid in static loading. If the load
The deformation of the material is known through the is applied repeatedly, the material will experience fatigue
logging of data during the test and the original length is and other rules in mechanics come into play.
known as well, which gives the strain values needed to
create a stress–strain curve.

Figure 3.10: Stress -strain graph, pointing out where the material still is in
its elastic region.

Figure 3.8: Measured load and deflection data -from which strain and
stress can be calculated The slope of the line in the elastic area represents the
material’s elastic modulus (Young´s modulus). Note that
By the use of the previous formulas to calculate stress and elastic modulus is only valid in the elastic region.
strain at the same moment over time, it is now possible

14 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

Elastic modulus (linear area) Below, the yield strength is determined at 0.2% strain.
An elastic modulus, or modulus of elasticity, is the mathe-
matical description of a material’s tendency to be de-
formed elastically when a force is applied to it, that is, how
tough a material is to reshape and still remain within the
elastic area (without yielding permanent damage).
A stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus.
σ = E×ε
E = Elastic modulus
ε = Strain (%)
σ = Stress (MPa)
In many materials, test methods make it difficult to identi-
Figure 3.13: A materials yield strength at 0.2% strain
fy the point of yielding. Thus it is common to set the yield
value at 0.2% strain, which is called a material’s 0.2% Plasticity (non-linear area)
proof stress. Plasticity or plastic deformation is the opposite of elastic
deformation and is defined as unrecoverable strain. If a ma-
terial is loaded into the non-linear area, it will have perma-
nent deformation. The fracture or ultimate strength point is
the point where the material collapses or brakes apart.

Figure 3.11: Illustration of 0,2% proof stress

Yield strength
The yield strength or yield point of a material is defined Figure 3.14: Graph, showing the region where a material will have a perma-
in engineering and materials science as the stress at nent deformation.

which a material begins to deform plastically. Prior to the

yield point, the material will deform elastically and will
return to its original shape when the applied stress is
removed. Once the yield point is passed, some fraction of
the deformation will be permanent and non-reversible.

Figure 3.12: A materials yield strength is the point just before it starts to
plasticize.
 Summary of stress–strain
Through mechanical testing in tensile, compression, or
shear, interesting information can be obtained, as previous-
ly described. With the use of a scientific laws and mathe-
matics, a stress- strain curve can be obtained (see below).

ε = δl÷l σ = P÷A

σ = E×ε

Figure 3.15: Stress – strain graph

3.2.3 Reflections on results of fictive testing

We have described three different, fictive mechanical tests Below are rough conclusions made on the mechanical
made in tension. The laws and principles would have been performance of materials A, B and C, just by studying the
the same if the tests had been made in compression or stress-strain curves.
shear, but the curves would have been different.

Material A is a tough and stiff material Material B is not very stiff or strong, but In material C, there is a high strain
since it can take a lot of stress without it can take high strain to high stress, elongation, but it cannot take much
any elasticity. It is most likely a steel which usually also means it can take stress. This means that it is experien-
or aluminum material and, thus, very up a lot of energy. It is probably a good ced as a non- stiff material. A rubber
heavy. material in dynamic loadings. (The band would behave in a similar way.
area below the slope in the linear area
usually correlates to this.) It is a tough
material that is difficult to tear apart,
but there will be a permanent deforma-
tion immediately after the yield point.
It is most likely a lightweight foam core.

16 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

Material information
There is a lot of information stated on a materials data sheet and in the following a description
of the different material characteristics are described to provide an explanation of how they are
achieved, what they mean and how thoroughly tested they are.

Information on data sheets industries there are certifying bodies which issues certifi-
Where it is relevant a materials typical characteristics are cates on materials properties, mechanical data, to be used
published on the data sheets to make it as accessible as according to their design rules, i.e. DNV and Lloyds’ in the
possible. Density, compression, tensile and shear properties maritime segments and Germanicher Lloyds in the Wind
are a part of the production inspection testing and is tested segment. To get a certificate on a material, usually mate-
on a frequent basis. Other characteristics like insulation rial test data is reviewed and i.e. shear and compression
properties are tested with much lower frequency and the testing are witnessed by the certifying body. The quality
information shall be treated as typical or indicative data. of the material also needs to comply to rule requirements.
The first page on Diab data sheet usually provides data Some of the certifying bodies also demand that the man-
of the structural performance or Figure 4.1 on page XX of ufacturer has an “approval of manufacturer” to be able to
the grade together with a description of its typical char- get a material certification.
acteristics. The second page usually contains information The different certifying bodies prefers different test
which describes other characteristics of the material other standards in their regulations, thus more than one test
than structural performance, but still characteristics, which standards needs to be used to cover different certificates
can be of importance in many applications. These charac- requirements. In production inspection many mechanical
teristics are referred to as “Technical Characteristics”. data are checked in a frequent interval to make sure that
Diab core material is mostly used in structurally loaded quality is maintained of the products and to build a useful
applications where it of importance to provide reliable database. This testing is following a test standard, which
data on mechanical performance which makes it impor- however not suits all of the certifying bodies, which as
tant to type approval core materials. mentioned have their preferred standards. In other words
where production testing standards and certifying bodies
Type approvals standard are the same there is an enormous amount of
Material certification means that a certifying body issues data available – and when not additional testing is needed
a certificate stating that the material complies with the according to fulfill requirements of that certifying body.
requirements of that certifying body. In several segment/
 4.1 Mechanical properties

As mentioned the first page usually describes the me-

chanical properties, structural performance of the core
material, see figure 4.1 below:

Figure 4.1: Typical data sheet lay-out of Diab data sheet, updated version
are available at diabgroup.com

Definition of Nominal and minimum values Minimum values is a minimum guaranteed mechanical
Nominal value is the specified value for the material. That property a material has independently of density.
means that the properties of the material will have a mean From the requirements of structural properties for a
value close to the nominal value. The mean value is based core material it obvious that the most important static
on all measured values on full size blocks. The material tests for a core material will be compression and tensile
delivered to a customer is normally only a fraction of tests perpendicular to the plane and shear tests parallel to
the totally produced material. This may result in that the the plane.
actual value on the property of the delivered material has Testing is done in a testing machine, suited to the
a mean value lower or higher than the declared value. range of force and displacement involved, having two
Minimum values are calculated as the nominal value minus parallel plates, one fixed and the other movable. Load is
(-) two standard deviations. measured with a force sensor and displacement from the
The minimum value is based on all measured values of machine movement or with an external extensometer.
all batches. The delivered materials have a 97,6% prob- While load measurement is very straight forward, dis-
ability of being above the minimum value, thus having placement is more complicated and the choice of method
2,4% probability of being outside the minimum value. influences the test result.

4.1.1 Compression testing

Table 4.1 on page 29 summarize requirements for test spec- Compressive strength is calculated at maximum load or at
imen configuration and method for displacement measure- 10% deflection, whichever occurs first. All standards will give
ment. comparable result, independent of specimen configuration.

18 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

Compression modulus is calculated from the linear part of of the specimen, which are weaker than the closed cells.
the load–displacement curve in the elastic region. Dis- Both increase the displacement, thus decreasing the
placement, or strain, can be measured in three ways; from modulus. Only direct measurement on the specimen with
the machine drive system (compression platen or cross- an extensometer results in a correct modulus. In addition
head movement), direct measurement on the plates or the relation between specimen area and height affects
direct measurement on the specimen (extensometer). the modulus, up or down.
The first method does correct for deflections in the Compressive modulus for two materials can only be
machine loading system (machine compliance). The first compared if measured with the same method and speci-
and second does not correct for the cut open surface cells men configuration!

Specimen
Test standard Displacement measurements
Geometry Area Height Length Width
DIN 53 421 Cubic – 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm Extensometer on specimen
Resin filled surface may be used
ASTM D 1621-73 Square or circular 25-230 cm2 >25.4 mm Ø – – Extensometer on specimen or
or width cross head movement
ASTM D 1621-10 Square or circular 25-230 cm2 >25.4 mm Ø – – Extensometer on platens or
or width compression platen movement.
Correct for machine compliance
SO 844:2009 Square or circular 25-230 cm2 50 mm – – Compression platen movement
Right prism with 100 mm
base is preferred
Diab Standard Square 25 cm2 30 mm 53 mm 53 mm Extensometer on specimen
ASTM D 1621-73

Table 4.1: Test standards, compression

As can be seen in the table Diab prefers AST D1621-73, with and it measures the modulus in the material through
“Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties Of the use of extensometer.
Rigid Cellular Plastics”, since the method is in compliance

4.1.2 Tensile testing

Most sandwich constructions are loaded in tension per- As for compressive strain, displacement is allowed to
pendicular to the plane, which is through the thickness be measured from the machine movement, but this will
direction of the foam. This limits the numbers of test increase displacement, thus decreasing the modulus as
standards to be used, since the core thickness is typical described above.
60-80 mm. In example the standard ISO 1926 requires a The preferred Diab standard is ASTM D1623-09,
dog-bone shaped specimen with a length of 150 mm. This “Standard Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion
standard can only be used to for in the plane tests. Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics”. The specimens are
Tensile strength is calculated at maximum load, which cylindrical dog- bones with 60 mm diameter and 40 mm
normally occurs when the specimens breaks. Displacement, waist. The specimens are bonded to steel/aluminium grip
or strain, is measured by direct measurement on the spec- assembly blocks.
imen with an extensometer. Tensile modulus is calculated For testing of sandwich panels it is recommended to
from the steepest part of the load–displacement curve in use ASTM C 297-04, “Standard Test Method for Flatwise
the elastic region (this is not included in the standard). Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions”.
 4.1.3 Shear testing

Shear properties can be determined either through block uration and method for displacement measurement.
shear testing or sandwich beam bending. It is recommend- Shear strength is calculated at maximum load. Both
ed to use block shear testing. standards will give comparable result, independent of
Block shear testing is based on bonding rectangular specimen configuration. ASTM C273 also notes that
blocks of core material to two steel fixtures which are dis- core materials with high elongation, i.e. that yield more
placed relative to each other to apply a shear deformation than 2%, should use the 2% offset method for the yield
to the core material. strength calculation.
Commonly used standards include ASTM C273, “Stand- Shear modulus is calculated from the linear part of
ard Test Method for Shear Properties of Sandwich Core the load–displacement curve in the elastic region. As for
Materials” and ISO 1922, “Rigid cellular plastics – Determi- compressive and tensile strain, displacement is allowed to
nation of shear strength”. The primary difference is that be measured from the machine movement, but this will
ASTM C273 aligns the loading axis with the diagonal of increase displacement, thus decreasing the modulus as
the test sample whereas in ISO 1922 the loading axis is described above.
aligned along the vertical central line of the specimen. None of the standards requires or describes how shear
Table 2 summarize requirements for test specimen config- strain shall be reported.

Specimen Displacement
Test standard Loading plate measurement Speed of testing Loading
Thickness Length Width
ASTMC 273-03 Equal to sand- 12x thickness >50 mm Steel, thickness Deflectometer Failure within 3-6 Tension or
wich thickness prop. to thickness or extensometer minutes compression
ISO 1922-2012 25 mm 250 mm 50 mm Steel, 16 mm Machine 1mm/min Tension
thickness movement
Diab Standard 25 mm 300 mm 50-75 mm Steel, thick- Extensometer 2 mm/min (failure Tension
ASTMC 273-07 ness>20 mm after 3-4 min)

Table 4.2: Test standards , shear

The preferred Diab standard is ASTM C273. The loading however limited to obtaining the core shear strength and
plates are thicker than required in the standards to avoid the stiffness of the sandwich beam. The standard says in
bending deformation in the plate. This is a problem espe- NOTE 1— “Core shear strength and shear modulus are best
cially on high density grades. The shear strain is defined determined in accordance with Test Method C273 provid-
as the strain developed at a point where the stress has ed bare core material is available”.
decreased to 90 percentage of the ultimate peak load or The facings must be sufficiently thick and/or the support
at fracture, whichever occurs first. span sufficiently short such that transverse shear forces
For testing of sandwich panels it is recommended to are produced at applied forces low enough so that the
use ASTM C 393-11 “Core Shear Properties of Sandwich allowable facing stress will not be exceeded.
Constructions by Beam Flexure”. This test method is

Example of specimen configurations for a four point bending test:

Ex. 1 Core thickness 30 mm with 2.5 mm laminate thickness:

Length = 600 mm, width = 60 mm, outer span length = 500 mm, inner span length 200 mm

Ex. 2 Core thickness 60 mm with 5 mm laminate thickness:

Length = 600 mm, width = 60 mm, outer span length = 500 mm, inner span length 200 mm

20 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

4.1.4 Definition Density [kg/m³]

Density is not describing a materials mechanical perfor- material delivered to a customer is normally only a fraction
mance, however in structural design it is rated as a very of the totally produced material. This may result in that the
important property of the material and thus shown on the actual value on the density of the delivered material has a
first page of the data sheet. mean value lower or higher than the nominal value.
Nominal value is the specified value for the material. Minimum density of the block is the specified value to
That means that the density of the material will have a meet the requirement for minimum mechanical properties.
mean value close to the nominal value. The mean value Maximum density of the block is the specified value to
is based on all measured values on full size blocks. The assure that weight of the material is within specification.

4.2 Technical characteristics

The most common design criteria on structural core materi-

al’s are its mechanical performance, however in many cases
it is a combination of a core
materials structural strength
and other characteristics
that are of interest i.e. insu-
lation-, sound dampening-,
dielectric properties etc. In
this section core materials
technical characteristics
are described in general
terms. These characteris-
tics are only measured and
described, for Diab cores,
where it is applicable and of
interest.

Figure 4.2: Typical data sheet

lay-out of Diab data sheet second
page, updated version are available
at www.Diabgroup.com

4.2.1 Thermal Conductivity [W/m];

Thermal conductivity is the property of a material’s ability Thermal conductivity is however not a constant, but a
to conduct heat. In other words; thermal conductivity is the property that is affected by temperature, density, time and
material property that states the value of thermal insu- moisture content. In almost all insulation material it is the
lation capacity for a given material. Heat transfer across air or the gas inside the material that gives it its insulating
materials of high thermal conductivity occurs at a higher capacity.
rate than across materials of low thermal conductivity; con- In SI units, thermal conductivity is measured
sequently materials with low thermal conductivity are often in watts per meter kelvin (W/m·K).
used as thermal insulation.
 4.2.2 Heat distortion temperature

The heat deflection temperature or heat distortion tem- plastic sample deforms under a specified load. Diab uses
perature (HDT) is the temperature at which a polymer or DIN 53424 to determine HDT.

4.2.3 Continuous operating temperature

Continuous operating temperature is not defined to a “The core can be used in sandwich structures, for outdoor
standard it is instead based on empiric knowledge and a exposure, with external skin temperatures up to a stated
combination of tests. The performance of the core is also operating temperature on the data sheet. For optimal
dependent on loading, time etc. which makes it very diffi- design of applications used in high operating temperatures
cult to state a value; therefor any given value is for guidance in combination with continuous load, please contact Diab
only. An operating temperature is stated on several of Diab Technical Services for detailed design instructions.”
data sheets, where it is stated;

4.2.4 Max process temperature

Maximum process temperature is not defined to a standard on several of Diab data sheets, but shall be considered as a
it is instead based on empirical knowledge and a combina- rough guidance only, on the data sheet it is stated;
tion of tests. Performance of the core is also dependent “Maximum processing temperature is dependent on
on many other process conditions, such as pressure, resin time, pressure and process conditions. Therefore users are
compatibility, time etc. which makes it very difficult to state advised to contact Diab Technical Services to confirm that
a value. This means that the stated value is for guidance Divinycell Matrix is compatible with their particular process-
only. However a maximum process temperature is stated ing parameters.”

4.2.5 Dielectric properties

The dielectric constant (or relative permittivity) of a ma- compared to material with open cell structure and medium
terial affects how electromagnetic signals (radio waves, to high water absorption and water vapor permeability that
radar waves, etc.) move through the material. A low value will rapidly degrade the dielectric properties.
of dielectric constant means that e.g. radar signals travels The dielectric constant is not constant over the fre-
through the material with only small losses. quency range. It is therefore necessary either to measure
When we talk about the dielectric constant in common the dielectric constant at the frequency at which the
usage we mean the “relative dielectric constant”. It is the ra- material will be used or, if the material is to be used over
tio of capacitance for the material compared to capacitance a frequency range, to measure it at several frequencies
for vacuum as the dielectric. Since the relative dielectric suitably placed for the application of interest
constant is a ratio it has no unit. Diab measures dielectric constant by the use of the
The dielectric constant for Divinycell is approximately ASTM D2550 standard.
1.1 compared to 1.0 for vacuum and 80 for water. With its The dissipation factor is a measure of the energy loss
low water absorption and water vapor permeability, the di- in the dielectric. The energy loss shall generally be small in
electric constant of Divinycell will be un-affected over time order to reduce the heating of the material.

22 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

4.2.6 Poisson’s ratio

When a material is stretched in one direction, it usually ulus and bulk modulus have positive values. Most materials
tends to contract in the other two directions perpendicular have Poisson’s ratio values ranging between 0.0 and 0.5.
to the direction of stretching. This phenomenon is called Most steels and rigid polymers exhibit values of about 0.3.
the Poisson effect. The Poisson ratio is the ratio of the Published values of Poisson’s ratio for Divinycell are
fraction of contraction divided by the perpendicular fraction measured values. Calculations of Poisson’s ratio from
of expansion. Young’s modulus and shear data will give a higher Poisson’s
The Poisson’s ratio of a stable, isotropic, linear elastic ratio due to the un-isotropic cell structure in many foams.
material cannot be less than −1.0 nor greater than 0.5 due Mechanical properties and technical characteristics are
to the requirement that Young’s modulus, the shear mod- available on www.Diabgroup.com
 FST Characteristics
Fire, smoke and Toxicity, FST is a huge area to cover since there is a vast variety of demands in
different industries and in different regions of the world. Sandwich core materials are and can
be used in many different applications with a variety of FST demands.

Fire, smoke and Toxicity, FST is a huge area to cover since of available skins and resins makes it impossible to try all
there is a vast variety of demands in different industries and combinations out.
in different regions of the world. Sandwich core materials Several of Diab products are used in applications where
are and can be used in many different applications with a FST properties are of importance and some of these results
variety of FST demands. are officially stated on Diab data sheets. Diab has chosen to
There are many aspects to in during different fire test core material without skin to the standards which are
scenarios and there are many methods to measure how a most commonly asked for:
material behaves when subjected to a flame or heat:
• German railway standard DIN 5510,
• Flame Spread • French railway standard
• Dripping • NF16-101 Aircraft FAR 25.
• Smoke opacity
• Heat Release (Energy emittance) The test methods used in the mentioned standards
• Toxic fumes above can be very similar to methods used in other
• Oxygen index Etc standards as well.
Data on which FST certificates Diabs different core
Core material is usually used as a sandwich material, but materials meets, please check for latest updates on
with skins on both sides of the core, which can be chosen to diabgroup.com
improve the materials behavior under fire. But the amount

For more information, please visit diabgroup.com

24 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

Glossary

The following terms are commonly used within Diab. used as a quick reference to gain a basic understanding of a
Although many of these terms have various meanings composite or sandwich panel-related-term.
and some have extended definitions, this glossary may be

A
Accelerator Accelerates cure of a resin. ASTM The “American Society for Testing and Materials”
Additives The term used for a large number of specialist chem- (ASTM) is an international standards organization
icals which are added to resins/compounds to impart which compiles standards and test methods for
specific properties, for example, flame retardancy, and materials, products, and systems.
UV resistance. Autoclave Molding Often used for advanced composite aerospace parts,

Adhesive “Substance applied on mating surfaces to bond them autoclave molds are heated pressure vessels used for
together by surface attachment. An adhesive can be curing. Due to the uniform high pressure, tempera-
in liquid, film or paste form. ture, and long curing times, extremely high quality
parts are created with few voids.
Aramid Short for “aromatic polyamide,” aramid fibers are a
class of high strength synthetic fibers. Kevlar is a com-
mon aramid fiber and is trademarked by DuPont.

B
Balsa Core See: End Grain Balsa. BMC “Bulk Molding Compound” (BMC), is a mixture of
Bendable In the meaning that the core is treated in such way chopped strand fiber and resin, mixed into a “bulk”
that it is possible to bend. compound prepreg, which is used in injection or
compression molding.
Blister, blistering Undesirable raised areas in a moulded part caused by
local internal pressure, due usually to rapped air, vola-
tile reaction by-products or water entering by osmosis.

C
Carbon Fiber An extremely lightweight textile material, when com- Closed Molding In closed molding and in infusion the same type of
bined with a resin (most often epoxy), will produce an finishing codes can be used. In comparison to open
extremely rigid composite reinforcement. Due to the molding that utilizes only one mold, closed molding
lightweight and strength features, carbon fiber is in utilizes two molds, a top and bottom mold. By utilizing
high demand from aerospace, military, and recreation- a pressure difference (vacuum) laminates and core are
al applications. impregnated. The transportation of resin is usually
Catalyst (also A chemical compound (usually an organic peroxide) facilitated by distribution channels in the core or by
called hardener) which initiates polymerisation of a resin. flow mats or similar. Parts manufactured from this
process will have a smooth surface on both the sides
Chopped Strand “Chopped Strand Fiber” or simply, “Chopped Fiber,” is of the panel if it uses rigid molds. An alternative is to
Fiber structural fiber that is cut into small lengths. Chopped use a vacuum bag as a top mold, so called infusion,
fiber combined with a resin, is most often injected or which uses very similar flow principals and is a variant
sprayed into a mold. of closed molding. There is a variety of closed molded
Chopped strand See Chopped Strand Fiber, the difference is that fibers processes, vacuum resin infusion molding (VRIM),
mat in this case is put together in a “mat” form. RTM, etc. Usually the same type of core finishes can
be used in different closed molding processes.
CNC Computer Numerical Controls (CNC), are used in
precision machinery, controlled by a predetermined
computer program.
 Coefficient A material’s fractional change in length corresponding Corrosion The ability of a material to withstand contact with
of thermal to for a given unit change in temperature. resistance ambient natural factors without degradation or
expansion change in properties. For composites, corrosion can
Composite Term used for material consisting of two or more cause crazing.
materials, most often a resin with fiber reinforcement. Creep Term used to describe the weakening of materials
Compression Method of forming composites by using a shaped over time, when under load, the deflection of the
Molding mold which applies pressure and often heat. material may slowly change.

Compression Cross Linking Cross linking is covalent bond linking of polymer

The crushing load at failure of a material, divided by
strength cross-sectional area of the specimen. chains to one another. Un cross linked polymers
(generally thermoplastics) can have bonds break with
Continuous Fiber Term used for reinforced structural fiber that is “con- heat, and reform. Where as cross linked polymers
tinuous” and not broken or chopped. (generally thermosets), cannot reform, and are set
Core bedding When the core is put down in mold on top of wet or permanently once cured.
cured laminate it usually is called core bedding. To Cure The process of hardening of a thermosetting resin (by
facilitate a very good bonding between laminate and cross-linking of the molecular structure), under the
core, the core bedding technique can be used. It is influence of heat.
very similar to vacuum bagging. Usually a light weight
Cured Term used to describe resin when it has turned into a
putty is put on the cured laminate with a spatula
then the core is put on top, the next step is to cover solid state.
It all with a plastic bag and then to pull vacuum. This Curing agents Chemical compounds used to cure thermosetting
presses the core firmly down against the laminate and resins.
at the same time air entrapments are pulled out. Curing time The time taken for a resin to cure to its full extent.
Core Material General term for the center material in any sandwich
structure, used to increase strength, stiffness, and
insulation. Common core materials include foam,
balsa, and honeycomb.

D
Delamination The separation of the bond between the skin and Divilette A light weight putty usually used to bond core against
core material in a sandwich panel. Can also be applied a laminate (core bedding), or to bond core materials
to the separation of plies or fibers in a laminant. together during customers manufacturing.
Die Mold with a constant cross section, used in pultrusion, Divinycell Brand name core by Diab, the material referred to as
extrusion, and other composite manufacturing Divinycell is a rigid polymer foam commonly used in
methods. composite sandwich panels.
Dielectric Electrical field strength of an insulating material. Double Cut The core material is cut, grid scored from both sides
Strength Measurements and definition can be found under of the core.
ASTM test procedure D149.

E
E-glass Most commonly used structural reinforcement fiber, EPS Foam Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is common insula-
commonly known as “fiberglass.” E-glass is widely tive foam used in sandwich structures. The density
used due to its low cost, high production, lightweight, can vary, and rigid EPS foam is the most common
high strength, and insulative properties. foam used in structural insulated panels (SIPs).
End Grain Balsa Structural core with high shear strength. End grain Extrusion Method of forming plastics by means of forcing
balsa sheets are blocks of balsa wood, taken from a molten resin through a shaped die, producing a con-
balsa tree, and aligned and adhered together to form stant-area cross section.
a lightweight structural core.
Epoxy Epoxy is a resin used in prepregs or as a liquid resin
in closed molding or hand lamination. Epoxy exists
in many different versions, which means that extra
caution can be needed before usage regarding its
compatibility against used core material.

26 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

F
Face Sheets Face sheets is a term used to describe the skin or Flexural strength The strength of a material in bending expressed as the
surface material of sandwich structures. stress if a bent test sample at the instant of failure.
Fatigue Strength Fatigue strength is the maximum cyclic stress a struc- Flow Flow is a term describing the viscosity of a resin, and
ture can withstand before failure. its ability to “flow” of move through fiber reinforce-
Fiber Placement Method of strategically placing and orientating rein- ment during wet-out.
forcing fiber in a composite application to maximize Flow mat Facilitates resin flow in manufacturing, it is in some
structural properties. cases used as a replacement or supplement to
Fiberglass Fiberglass is a general term for structural fiber used grooved and perforated materials. Usually avoided
in reinforced composite applications. It can also be a since it adds weight and cost to the application.
general term for a finished fiber reinforced product. Flow media

Filament A single textile element of small diameter and very Flow mesh See Flow mat.
long length considered as continuous. Foam Core By trapping air in a cellular polymer structure, foam is
Filament Winding Method of manufacturing composite products by created. Foam is an effective core material for sand-
winding resin impregnated structural fibers around a wich panels as a great deal of volume and structure
shaped mandrel or containment vessel. This is done can be added for very little weight. A wide range of
using computerized CNC controls. foam cores are commercially available derived from a
Filler Fillers are inert materials added to composite resin to wide range of polymers.
add volume, thus lowering the resin density. Fillers are FRP Acronym for “Fiber Reinforced Plastic,” is a common
also used to increase certain performance character- term used to describe composite products.
istics such as fire or crack resistance. Examples are
calcium carbonate and aluminum trihydrate.
Finish designation Diab term, specific “naming” of different groups of
finishes.

G
Gel The state of a resin, which has set to a jelly-like Grade Every product family contains different grades, for
consistency. example: Divinycell H60 is a grade within the product
Gel Coat Gel coat is the top surface applied to a mold providing a family “H”.
superior surface finish to the final composite product. Grid Scored In Diab terminology it is typically GS or GSW materials
GFRP Acronym for “Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic.” which are cut almost all the way through, to make the
sheets bendable or suitable for core bedding.
Glass fibre Reinforcing fibre made by drawing molten glass
Grooved Grooved materials are machined only on the surface
through bushings. The predominant reinforcement for
polymer composites, it is known for its good strength, of the material to facilitate resin and airflow in infu-
processability and low cost. sion or other closed molding processes.
GRP Acronym for “Glass Reinforced Plastic.”

H
Hand Lay-Up Wetting out laminates manually with a roller in a mold. Hybrid Reinforcing fibre made by drawing molten glass
By the use of roller a part can be rolled until enough through bushings. The predominant reinforcement for
laminate thickness I achieved. In steps -apply resin in polymer composites, it is known for its good strength,
mold then put a mat of fiber on top, then use a roller processability and low cost.
to apply resin. Next step is to use a roller without Hydraulic Press Is a method of manufacturing sandwich panels by
adding resin, but instead compress the laminate and placing adhesive between the skin and core, and
press out air entrapments in laminate. This is repeat- applying pressure using hydraulic machinery, thus
ed until intended thickness is achieved. creating an air tight bond.
Hardener See Catalyst (also called hardener).
Honeycomb core A resin or reinforcement made from two or more
different polymers orreinforcement materials.
 I
I-Beam An I-beam is an efficient method of creating a struc- similar. The most common technique is to seal off the
tural beam while using a minimal amount of material. part intended to infuse with a plastic bag, pull vacuum
An I-beam profile accomplishes similar structural with a tube in one end of the part, and insert resin
results as sandwich panels. with a tube in the other part. When the resin has filled
Impact Strength Impact strength is the ability of a material or sandwich the part the resin hopefully cures shortly after that.
panel to resist fracture during shock or impact. Usually the same type of core finishes can be used in
closed molding processes.
Impregnation Saturation of reinforcement with liquid resin.
Inhibitor Inhibitors are chemicals added to thermoset resins
In-mould coating A process used with SMC (and recently developed to slow down the chemical reaction causing the resin
(IMC) also for thermoplastics) in which a liquid/melt coating to cure.
layer is applied to the exterior of a moulding while still
Injection Molding Method of manufacturing plastics (most commonly
in the mould, as part of the moulding cycle.
thermoplastics) by injecting molten resin into a heat-
Infusion In closed molding and in infusion the same type of ed mold under high pressure.
finishing codes can be used. Infusion utilizes one stiff
Interface The contact area between reinforcement and resin.
mold, and in contradiction to closed molding a flexible
vacuum bag is used as top mold. By utilizing a pressure Isotropic Is a description of composite material having equal
difference (vacuum) laminates and core are impreg- structural properties in the three coordinate direc-
nated. The transportation of resin is usually facilitated tions of X-Direction, Y-Direction, and Z-Direction.
by distribution channels in the core or by flow mats or

J K
Joint Term used to describe the connection of sandwich Kevlar Trademarked material manufactured by DuPont.
panels. Kevlar is an aramid fabric, combining light weight
and high strength. Kevlar is noticeable by its unique
yellow color, and was first made popular for use in
bullet-proof vests.

L
Laminate Term used to describe the application of resin to fiber
reinforced fabric, can also be used to describe the
process of adhering skin to a core material.

M
Mandrel Positive internal shape used in manufacturing hollow Mold Shape, most often made of steel, used to maintain
composite products. the shape of the desired composite product.
Matrix Term used to describe the structure of resin molecules. Mold Release Chemical used in composite manufacturing to prevent
MEKP Acronym for Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide, a common the laminant from
catalyst used in resins. Monomer A compound containing a reactive double bond,
Modulus of See: Young’s Modulus. capable of polymerising.
Elasticity

N
Nomex Trademarked fire-resistant material by DuPont. Nomex Non-Woven Fabric See: Stitched Fabric.
paper is used in making a honeycomb core material.

28 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

O
One-off Another commonly used description for this is strip which then are nailed to the framework. After sanding
planking. In this manufacturing technique the product and grinding the part is laminated as usual and after
is built up as a frame work, similar to a skeleton, and curing and sanding the part is turned around and the
then the frame work is covered with planks. When frame work is taken away and inside lamination is done
using Divinycell the sheets are usually sawn to planks,

P
Parting Line A parting line is a small raised mark or line on a molded Post Cure Is a method for strengthening composite laminates,
composite part where a small amount of resin was after the resin is technically cured, by applying heat
allowed to seep into the crevice where the two mold for an extended amount of time thus imparting
sections meet. increased cross-linking of the resin.
Peel Ply A lightweight synthetic fabric applied to the surface Pot Life Pot Life is a term used to describe the period of time
of a composite during lamination or molding. Peel a thermosetting resin will stay in useable gel form
ply keeps the areas of secondary bonding clean and before curing.
facilitates an easier grinding of the same. Pre-form Term used to describe a unit or stack of fiber rein-
Perforated forcements prior to adding resin or molding.

Phenolic Resin “Fire-resistant” resin used in many different industries Premix A moulding compound prepared prior to, and apart
beyond composites. from, the moulding operation, containing all compo-
nents necessary for moulding
Pigment Chemicals added to resin to create coloring of the
composite. Prepreg A prepreg is a laminate, fibers and resin, where the
resin is pre mixed and ready to react, but the reaction
Ply Term used to describe a single layer of fiber reinforced
will not start until the prepreg is exposed to an ele-
fabric.
vated temperature. Prepregs are vacuum bagged and
Poisson’s Ratio Is the ratio to describe the tendency of material to then subjected to an increased temperature to cure
contract in one direction when stretched from other the laminates. Fiber reinforcement that is impreg-
directions. Poisson’s ratio is the transverse strain nated with a resin matrix prior to being used; prepreg
divided by the axial strain. material is cured by adding heat and pressure.
Polyester Resin Common thermoset resin used in composite applica- Print-through Imprints on the surface caused by irregularities in the
tions. core, fibers or resin.
Polymer Is a commonly used term to describe plastic. Polymers Example: Grooves can cause print-throughs.
are structural molecular units connected by covalent Pultrusion Method of manufacturing composites, by “pulling”
bonds. raw fiber wetted with resin, through a heated die. Pul-
Polyurethane Thermosetting resin that has increased impact prop- trusion is used to efficiently produce large amounts of
Resin erties, but shorter pot life. a continuous profile.

Porosity Numerous air pockets or voids in a moulded product.

R
Reactive resins Liquid resins which can be cured by catalysts and Resin transfer RTM is a method of forming a composite laminate by
hardeners to form solid materials. moulding (RTM) injecting resin into a closed mold, or by “pulling” resin
Reinforcement Term used to describe the fibrous structural material through a mold using a vacuum.
that, when added with resin, can provide a strong Roving Roving produced by winding a large and determined
solid laminant. number of filaments direct from a bushing. Term for
Release agent A substance which prevents a moulding from sticking structural fiber in raw unit form, much like a thread
to the mould surface; it may be a chemical compound of yarn. Generally available in multiple strands of
or a solid material such as a cellulose or plastics film. filaments.

Resin Chemical matrix to bond and hold structural fiber in

place. Most resins are either thermosetting resins, or
thermoplastic resins.
 S
S-glass S-glass is a fiberglass reinforcement similar to E-glass, Sizing Chemicals added to reinforcing fiber to help create a
but with a slightly different chemistry providing more uniform and complete bond with the resin matrix.
lighter and stronger properties. Skin Surface material used on a sandwich panel; skins
Sandwich Panel Structural panel consisting of a lightweight core, with provide the tension and compression strength, as well
skin material on either side. Sandwich panels are used as providing impact resistance. Skins are often made
to add structure, stiffness, and insulation to applica- of OSB for structural insulated panels, and FRP for
tions without adding considerable weight. composite sandwich panels.
Sandwich Composite composed of lightweight core material Spray lay-up It is a process where a chopper gun is an essential part
structure to which two relatively thin, dense, high strength, of the process, in short -a fiber rowing is chopped up
functional or decorative skins are adhered. in shorter strands and it is simultaneously saturated
Scrim Thin glass fiber cloth or mat, which purpose mainly with resin. After adequate amount of resin is sprayed
is to keep the blocks in GS materials in place during up the laminate is compressed with a steel roller.
handling. Stitched Fabric Unidirectional fiber reinforcement which is layered
Shear Strength In sandwich panels, this term is often applied to the and orientated on top of one another and stitched
core properties and the core shear modulus, G. The together to form a fabric. The fibers are orientated
higher the core shear modulus, the better the resist- at off-axis angles, most commonly + or – 90 degrees,
ance to bending of the sandwich panel. Core shear and + or – 45 degrees. This provides increased
modulus is measured through ASTM tests, such as 273. strength to the end FRP product.
Strand An assembly of parallel filaments simultaneously
Sheet moulding A flat pre-preg material, comprising thickened resin,
compound (SMC) glass fibre and fillers, covered on both sides with poly- produced and lightly bonded.
ethylene or nylon film, ready for press-moulding. Strip planking See One-off

T
Tensile Strength The stress required to pull a material or structure from Thermoset Is a polymer resin that begins in a liquid state, and
opposite directions to the point of failure. is cured with the addition of heat, radiation, or a
Thermoforming By increasing the temperature in a core material close through a chemical reaction. Thermosetting resins are
to its plastic temperature it becomes possible to more often stronger then thermoplastic, but due to
reform the material to fit certain geometries. the chemical structure, the molecules cannot be re-
formed or remolded, and are often difficult to recycle.
Thermoplastic Is a polymer resin that is in a solid state at room
temperature, but turns liquid with heat, allowing for
forming and molding. Thermoplastics are generally
able to be remolded or reformed, allowing them to be
easily recyclable.

U
Uni-Directional Is a term used to describe structural fiber reinforce-
ment that runs along only a single axis of direction.

30 | Guideline to Core and Sandwich

V, W
Vacuum Bag Is a method of laminating composites and sandwich Wet-out Term used to describe the resin impregnation on a
Molding structures by placing the preform composite in a composite laminant.
sealed plastic bag; then applying a vacuum thus Vinylester Resin Commonly used thermosetting resin in composites
removing all air prior to dispensing resin into the manufacturing. Used due to low costs, excellent
sealed mold. corrosion-resistant properties, and good structural
Vacuum bagging This is used to minimize the amount of air there is in properties.
a laminate. The part is covered with a plastic bag and Viscosity Term used to describe the fluidity of a liquid resin, and
then vacuum is pulled. Excessive resin and unwanted its ability to flow, or not flow, with ease.
air is removed while compressing the part to get a
Void Term used to describe gaps or air pockets within a
good laminate/ bonding.
cured laminate. Voids are considered flaws, and can
Vacuum bonding In this context it is a process used to bond core sheets diminish desired properties of a composite.
together.
Woven Fabric Structural fiber reinforcement is woven together, ori-
VARTM or VRTM Acronym for “Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Mold- entating fibers off- axis to one another. Woven fabric
ing,” see “Vacuum Bag Molding. has increased interlaminar strength properties as the
Veil IVeil is a cloth material laid on the surface of a structural fiber is intertwined with one another.
composite lamanant prior to cure. Veils can provide
increased surface finish to composite products, or be
printed with logos or designs. They are often used
to assist in the prevention of fiber blooming, caused
primarily by UV.

Y
Young’s Modulus Young’s modulus is the measure of stiffness of a
material or structure. Also known as modulus of
elasticity, E. This is generally referred to as the ratio of
stress to strain in the cross section of the material.
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January 2018

Diab is a world leader in sandwich composite solutions that make customers’ products
stronger, lighter and smarter. Diab provides a range of core materials, cost-effective kits,
finishings and in-depth knowledge on composites. Diab also provides engineering services
for composite technology through Composites Consulting Group (CCG). Diab is a participant
of UN Global Compact.