Core Materials

Core materials are used extensively throughout the composites industry to fabricate stiff and yet lightweight composites products. Thermal conductivity, sound insulation, and fire resistance can also be improved by use of the proper core material. The use of core materials is also called sandwich construction. The “sandwich” consists of a face skin laminate, the core material, and the back skin laminate. The use of a core creates a thicker laminate, significantly increase stiffness and flexural strength with a minimal increase in weight.

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There are a number of types of core materials available, with a wide range of properties and costs:

• Honeycombs

• Balsa

• Polymer foams

• Spacer fabrics