The effect of core type and skin on the mechanical properties of lightweight sandwich Panels

Increasing demand for light and durable materials in home and office furniture requires optimizing the properties of the products used. In this research the effect of skin type and core on mechanical properties of light weight sandwich panel was investigated. The skins were made of MDF with 3, 6 and 8 mm thickness, particle board with 8 mm thickness, three layer plywood with 3.8 mm thickness and five layers plywood with 7.28mm thickness. The cores of polyurethane foam and honeycomb of kraft paper (3 cm thickness) were used. Mechanical tests including bending strength, modulus of elasticity; impact bending and compression were performed according to DIN and ASTM standards. Result showed that, light sandwich panels made from polyurethane foam core had higher mechanical properties than the light panel made of kraft honeycomb core which indicates that the dense and homogenous structure and better linkage with skin. By increasing the thickness of skin in the samples made from MDF skin, the properties of sandwich panel increased. The best result of mechanical properties was observed in light weight sandwich panel made of plywood skin and polyurethane core.