Abstract
In the study, novel fabrication procees of functionally-graded (FG) syntactic epoxy foams was developed to control distribution of the mechanical properties for highly impact energy absorption. In order to control mechanical properties, the density distributions in the FG foams were graded by floating phenomenon of the light-weight micro-balloons in the matrix resin during the curing process. The density distribution in the foam could be controlled by adjusting the average volume fraction and the turning procedure of the mold before grading the micro-balloons in the foam. Due to the compression tests of the fabricated FG foams, the foams were clarified to have high absorption of impact energy since the foams collapsed progressively due to the grading of the density distribution.
