Final answer:
A structural sandwich panel consists of a lightweight foam plastic core, usually made from polystyrene, laminated between two rigid wood structural panel facings. It is an engineering material used for its strength and light weight, following the 'skin and skeleton' design principle.
Step-by-step explanation:
A structural sandwich panel is a specialized material used in construction and engineering. It consists of a lightweight core, often made from foam plastic, which is laminated between two rigid facings made of wood structural panels. This design concept follows a 'skin and skeleton' construction principle.
The wood panels act as the 'skin,' which provides the attractive, durable exterior, while the foam core behaves like the 'skeleton,' giving structural strength while being lightweight.
An example of this concept includes composite materials such as fiberglass, which embeds glass fibers in a polymer matrix to achieve a balance of strength and ductility. The foam plastic often used for the core of these panels is polystyrene, commonly known as EPS or expanded polystyrene.
EPS offers excellent insulation properties and durability, making it ideal for applications such as building insulation, food containers, and protective packaging.