Energy attenuation capability of woven natural silk/epoxy composite plates subjected to drop-weight impacts

The impact energy attenuation and damage characteristics of woven natural silk (WNS)/Epoxy laminated composite panels were evaluated. The Samples prepared in configurations of sandwich WNS/Epoxy/Honeycomb, WNS/Epoxy/Coremat, WNS/Epoxy/Foam and reinforced WNS/Epoxy (reference sample) laminate panels were subjected to low velocity impact loading at energy levels of 32J, 48J and 64J respectively. Impact parameters like load–deflection, load–time and absorbed energy-time behaviour were measured for evaluating the impact performance in terms of load bearing capabilities, energy absorption and failure modes. Evaluation of the results showed that WNS/Epoxy/Coremat displays better load bearing capability qualities compared to the other three samples. In general energy absorption decreases as impact energy increases in all composite samples; WNS/Epoxy/Foam was seen as better energy absorber. Damage areas increased with increasing energy while time to response decreased in all configurations. SEM micrographs show mode of failure as matrix crack, delamination and fibre breakage.