Syntactic foams are in general ternary materials made of pre-formed hollow microspheres, binder and voids. Syntactic foams can be used as various structural components including sandwich composites and in areas where low densities are required e.g. undersea/marine equipment for deep ocean current-metering, anti-submarine warfare and others. Their other uses include products in aerospace, automotive and building industries. However, the densities of syntactic foams in the past have been relatively high compared to the traditional expandable foams, limiting their applications. A wide variety of materials can be used for syntactic foams. The filler microspheres may be glass, polymeric, carbon, ceramic or metallic materials. Thus, a wide range of different types of syntactic foams can be made by selecting different materials and consolidating techniques for binder and hollow microspheres. Various types of sandwich composites can also be made by selecting different constituent materials for core and skins. For the selection of constituent materials, factors such as properties and cost may be considered. Main objectives of this project are to (a) develop novel syntactic foams using hollow microspheres and suitable binders, (b) investigate relationships between various manufacturing parameters, (c) investigate mixing behaviour of fillers and binders, (d) characterise mechanical behaviour of the developed syntactic foams, and (e) develop and investigate properties of novel sandwich composites made of developed syntactic foams and suitable skins.

Assoc Prof Mainul Islam

• Centre for Future Materials
• School of Engineering

• Materials Engineering

• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Master of Research (MRES)