Development of Protective Headwear Based on Strain Rate Effect of Soft Epoxy Foam

Abstract

In the present study, a protective headwear is developed based on the strain rate effect of soft epoxy foam. Firstly, the strain rate and temperature effects on compressive property of soft epoxy foam were investigated. In order to increase flexibility and strain rate dependence on compressive property, the soft epoxy foams were fabricated with an epoxy matrix whose compounding rate of main and curing agents is shifted from stoichiometric ratio. Compression tests in wide range of strain rate were performed in several temperature to evaluate strain rate and temperature effects on compressive property of the foam. In addition, impact tests assuming a head impact in daily life reveals that the fabricated epoxy foams are effective as a cushioning material of a headwear.