A Study on the Mechanical Behavior of EPS Core Layered Composites Reinforced with Sheep Wool Fiber

In this study, the mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer foam core laminated composites were investigated as an alternative to artificial fibers. Sheep wool served as reinforcement and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Foam) foam as the core, with fibers resin-bonded to both faces of the foam. Two and four-layer samples were produced in total by applying one and two layers to both sides. The production process was carried out with hand lay-up technique and vacuum bagging method. After the production process was completed, the samples were cut with a band saw in accordance with the test standards and tested. To examine the energy absorption capacity of the samples, three-point bending and low-speed impact tests were performed to create SWF force-deformation graphs. As a result of the findings obtained as a result of the tests, it was concluded that the performance of the four-layer samples was better than the two-layer ones. In the impact tests, it was observed that there was a puncture in the single-layer samples at 10 joules and 20 joules impact energies. In double-layered samples, rebound occurred in 10 joule impact tests and puncture or stab occurred in 20 joule energy level. Three-point bending tests yielded results similar to the impact tests.