Author(s): Sousa, G.J.A. ; Serra, G.F. ; Oliveira, L. ; Alves de Sousa, R.J. ; Fernandes, F.A.O.
Date: 2023
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10773/45819
Origin: RIA - Repositório Institucional da Universidade de Aveiro
Subject(s): Cork; Composite material; Non-Newtonian fluid; STF; Low-velocity impact
Cork emerges as an eco-friendly material in the quest for sustainable solutions. Known for its unique propertiesthanks to its cellular microstructure and composition, pioneering solutions based on cork composites have emerged for impact applications, showing their capacity to withstand multiple impact loading for various strain rates. Recent breakthroughs have unveiled the potential of shear thickening fluids (STFs), paving the way for developing cuttingedge shock absorbers and impact energy-absorbing structures. Cork-STF structures were already developed and subjected to impact loading, but a composite material was never developed. In this study, we explore cork-STF composites, aiming to unveil the potential of a novel concept - STF-cork composite - for impact energy mitigation.Various combinations of cork and STF were explored by employing compression molding techniques. The manufactured compounds were mechanically characterized by subjecting them to low-velocity impacts. Our findings demonstrate that cork-STF composites can be manufactured and employed in crashworthy applications. For 30 wt.% STF, deagglomeration was observed, while compounds with 10-20 wt.% STF kept structural integrity. Increasing STF content reduces the stress level of the stress-strain curve plateau and results in densifications at higher strains. This exploratory work provides a foundation for future designs to suit specific applications.
