Foams are an important class of material used in applications such as packaging, safety helmets and in cars. This is due to their energy absorbing characteristic. The impact 3 point bending test method was used to measure the flexural strength. Similarly compact tension test method was developed to measure the fracture toughness and free fall impact tests were carried out with a flat and a hemispherical striker. Results from these tests give a clear picture of impact and fracture behaviour of polymer bead foams.
Analysis show that the most important factor in the behaviour of foams is the density.
Effects of polymer, bead size and surfactant were found to be small. A method is developed to investigate the indentation and the cracks caused by hemispherical strikers. A range of bead and cell failure mechanisms are observed. I also have a particular interest in following the developments in the Maldives and work on my sparetime in promoting the tourism industry of the Maldives. I enjoy music, all except heavy metal and a good night out for meis a night of constant dancing to House and Ambient Sounds, the likes of Pete Tong, Cream and Renaissance.