Comparing the mechanical performance of synthetic and natural cellular materials

Abstract

Abstract This work compares the mechanical performance of agglomerated cork against synthetic materials typically used as impact energy absorbers. Particularly, the study will focus on the expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polypropylene (EPP). Firstly, quasi-static compression tests are performed in order to assess the energy storage capacity and to characterize the stress–strain behavior cellular materials under study. Secondly, guided drop tests are performed to study the response of these materials when subjected to multiple dynamic loading (two impacts). Thirdly, finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out in order to simulate the compressive behavior of the studied materials under dynamic loading. Results show that agglomerated cork is an excellent alternative to the synthetic materials. Not only for being a natural and sustainable material but also for withstanding considerable impact energies. In addition, its capacity to keep some of its initial properties after loading (regarding mechanical properties and dimensions) makes this material highly desirable for multiple-impact applications.