Composite materials honeycomb testing

The honeycomb monoliths were dried at room temperature and then heated in air to 150°C for 4h. Samples of each composite were also heat-treated at 500°C or 850°C in nitrogen. Heat-treatment in an inert atmosphere was necessary to avoid oxidation of the AC. These materials were subsequently used in all of the characterisation techniques and adsorption performance tests. 

At the same time, the FSTG has been investigating flammability test results based on composite parts of varied materials, sire, thickness and construction. Among the test specimens are honeycomb core sandwich panels and composite laminates. The flammability performance of single components is also being studied. These specimens include different types, densities, and thicknesses of honeycomb core, unpainted panels, and panels coated with a variety of paint and ink colors, as weU as panels that have been bonded, potted and/or edge sealed. 

Jute sandwich composite wall panels have been developed using jute laminate as a face and plastic wood/honeycomb as a core material for prefabricated stmcture. The thickness of panels is ranged between 25 and 65 mm. The panels are lightweight, rigid, and easy to install with simple tools to an open frame work. During impact test, the panels withstand against 5 and 25 kg sand-filled leather balls after several blows. The face material coated with gelcoat on the outer surface is water resistant. 

Apart from the normally accepted textile products, heat and fire resistant textiles find use in engine insulation (e.g. ceramic structures around combustion chambers), reinforcements for composites (e.g. carbon fibre reinforcements for major structural elements), aramid honeycomb reinforcements for wall and floor structures, and fuselage acoustic and fire/heat insulation, each of which has its own fire performance requirements. Associated with all these tests and materials or composites are toxic fire gas and smoke requirements, and so the choice of fibre and textile structures will be influenced by the need to pass the minimum emission standards for gases including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide. 

Initiate materials testing to demonstrate feasibility of using typical lightweight structure materials and systems (eg, graphite composite, aluminum beryllium, honeycomb panels). Identification of lightweight materials for use near the reactor and in the shield would also be needed so that testing can also be performed for these candidate materials. 

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