Low-velocity impact response of 3D polyurethane resin composites reinforced with spacer fabrics

This research aimed to investigate the low-velocity response of polyurethane-based composites. Three warp-knitted spacer fabrics produced on a double-needle bar warp knitting machine by vary different surface structures were used as the reinforcement element. Two Micro-balloons were added into the composites as well. A new type of resin named polyurethane resin was involved for fabricating the composites. Accordingly, the impact behaviors of composites were evaluated properly under the impact velocity of 1 m/s and 2 m/s, respectively. The findings obtained illustrate that the composites possess excellent low-velocity impact properties and the impact resistance capacities are significantly affected by the fabric surface structures and the types of Micro-balloon, indicating that their impact energy absorbability can be tailored to meet the specific end-use requirements by varying the structural parameters.