Toughening mechanisms in modified syntactic foams

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Syntactic foams are stiff but lightweight materials which comprise hollow glass microspheres embedded in an epoxy polymer matrix. This makes them excellent materials for structural applications, such as the core in sandwich panels with carbon fibre reinforced polymer skins. However, as they are based on highly crosslinked thermosetting polymer they can be brittle, and hence be susceptible to damage and cracking whilst in service. Their performance can be improved by increasing their toughness by the addition of modifiers such as rubber, polymeric or ceramic particles to the epoxy matrix. Thus this project will investigate the morphology, mechanical properties, fracture toughness and toughening mechanisms of syntactic foams with the addition of various modifiers. The toughening mechanisms will be identified, and the knowledge gained will be used to produce higher performance syntactic foams.