Investigation of Quasi-Static Punch-Shear Behavior of Acorn Powder Reinforced Composites

In this study, the effect of different amounts of acorn powder reinforcement on the quasi-static penetration behavior of glass fiber reinforced composites was investigated. Glass fiber used in this study is 0˚/90˚ stitched E-glass fiber with a density of 600 g/m2. The sizes of acorn powders used as particle reinforcements are between 10 to 40 micrometers. Powders were cleansed from impurities with a sodium hydroxide solution. Cleaned powders mixed with epoxy resin by using mechanical mixing method. Thereafter, resin mixture was applied to glass fiber with hand lay-up method and composite plate was produced by vacuum bag method. Quasi-static penetration tests were performed at room temperature. As quasi-static penetration speed, 1, 10 and 20 mm/minute was selected. Force and energy results of composites compared with each other.