Cork core sandwich structures: static and dynamic response

Sandwich composite structures are largely used in many different fields because ensure high stiffness-to-weight ratio but the more restrictive regulations in the field of waste disposal have pushed to find good alternatives to common synthetic materials. Agglomerated cork has been recognized as a good competitor of common polymeric foams in the production of sandwich composites. It is also necessary to consider that the main concern that hinders the spread of sandwich structures is their susceptibility to damaging caused by impact events. Considering that many studies addressed the quasi-static mechanical properties of agglomerated cork and its composites, but few studies investigated the dynamic behavior of this type of structures, the aim of this work is to contribute to cork dynamic behavior comprehension. In particular the work is based on the characterization of agglomerated cork response and of its sandwich structures produced with PP flax-basalt skins (with and without coupling agent). Additionally, to ensure a deeper understanding of the results obtained, from a quasi-static and dynamic point of view, they were compared with the ones obtained with a more common PVC foam.