TY  - EJOU
AU  - Hannan, Mahim Masfikun 
AU  - Cai, Deng’an 
AU  - Wang, Xinwei 

TI  - Impact and Residual Flexural Properties of 3D Integrated Woven Spacer Composites
T2  - Journal of Polymer Materials

PY  - 2025
VL  - 42
IS  - 3
SN  - 0976-3449

AB  - This study investigates the low-velocity impact and post-impact flexural properties of 3D integrated woven spacer composites, focusing on their orthotropic behavior when tested along two principal directions, i.e., warp (X-type) and weft (Y-type) directions. The same composite material was tested in these orientations to evaluate the differences in impact resistance and residual bending strength. Specimens were fabricated via vacuum-assisted molding and tested at 2, 3, 5, and 7 J impact energies using an Instron Ceast 9350 drop-weight impact testing machine, in accordance with ASTM D7136. Post-impact flexural tests were performed using a four-point bending method in accordance with ASTM D7264. The absorbed energy increased from 1.97 to 6.98 J, and the panel damage area ranged from 121 to 361 mm<sup>2</sup> as impact energy roses. Specimens tested in the weft direction (Y-type) showed greater residual strength (up to 15.83 N) and displacement (up to 0.538 mm) than those tested in the warp direction (X-type). Ultrasonic C-scan imaging revealed localized matrix cracking and fiber failure damage patterns. Results emphasize the directional differences in impact resistance and residual bending properties, highlighting the importance of material orientation in structural applications. This study provides a foundation for utilizing 3D woven spacer composites in lightweight, damage-tolerant structural components.
KW  - 3D integrated woven spacer composites; low-velocity impact; post-impact flexural properties; impact resistance

DO  - 10.32604/jpm.2025.064978