Aging And Durability Of Frp Composites And Nanocomposites

The usage of composites is a broad and growing area of scientific research, especially in developed and developing countries. These materials are used in a broad range of applications in both structural and civil engineering sectors. In many of these applications FRPs are exposed to one or more environmental influences, so they need to be designed to meet durability requirements to withstand even the harshest of environments. Aging and Durability of FRP Composites and Nanocomposites focuses on the latest developments in durability and long-term ageing studies of composite materials especially for those used in civil and structural engineering applications. The book will be a valuable reference resource for materials scientists and engineers who want to learn more about the long-term service life and durability behaviour of composites under different environmental conditions. Discusses composites and polymer nanocomposites Reviews different types of aging processes and degradation mechanisms in composites Covers different types of accelerated aging tests Presents theory, modeling, and simulation studies of aged composites and nanocomposites Looks at recent trends and future possibilities

This book covers the topic of degradation phenomenon of natural fiber-based composites (NFC) under various aging conditions and proposes suitable solutions to improve the response of natural fiber-reinforced composite to aging conditions such as moisture, seawater, hygrothermal, and natural and accelerated weathering. The information provided by the book plays a vital role in the durability and shelf life of the composites as well as broadening the scope of outdoor application for natural fiber-based composites. The book will be appropriate for researchers and scientist who are interested in the application of natural fiber composites in various fields.

Long-Term Durability of Polymeric Matrix Composites presents a comprehensive knowledge-set of matrix, fiber and interphase behavior under long-term aging conditions, theoretical modeling and experimental methods. This book covers long-term constituent behavior, predictive methodologies, experimental validation and design practice. Readers will also find a discussion of various applications, including aging air craft structures, aging civil infrastructure, in addition to engines and high temperature applications.

Given the increasing use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in structural civil engineering, there is a vital need for critical information related to the overall durability and performance of these new materials under harsh and changing conditions. Durability of composites for civil and structural applications provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of FRP composites for designers and practising engineers. Part one discusses general aspects of composite durability. Chapters examine mechanisms of degradation such as moisture, aqueous solutions, UV radiation, temperature, fatigue and wear. Part two then discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures with FRP composites, and monitoring techniques such as structural health monitoring. Durability of composites for civil and structural applications provides practising engineers, decision makers and students with a useful and fundamental guide to the use of FRP composites within civil and structural engineering. Provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of composites Examines mechanisms of degradation such as aqueous solutions, moisture, fatigue and wear Discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures

Hydrothermal Behavior of Fiber- and Nanomaterial-Reinforced Polymer Composites provides critical information regarding the in-service environmental damage and degradation studies of nano/fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites focusing on hydrothermal degradation. Covering hydrothermal properties of a wide range of polymer composites, the book is aimed at graduate students, researchers, and professionals in material engineering, composite materials, nanomaterials, and related fields.

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used in the field of civil engineering, either for the rehabilitation/retrofitting of existing infrastructures or for the construction of new structural elements. However, such applications are still recent and there are still unresolved questions regarding the long-term durability of FRP reinforcements or structural elements under service conditions, and their behaviour under accidental fire events as well. In this chapter, it is proposed to highlight the basic mechanisms involved in the environmental degradation of FRP composites, with a large emphasis on ageing mechanisms of the polymer matrix and their consequences on the mechanical properties. The last section is specifically devoted to the fire behaviour of polymer composites and also recalls existing fire-proofing solutions.

In this chapter, we report the findings of experimental investigations conducted on durability of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with and without the addition of montmorillonite nanoclay. First, neat and nanoclay-added epoxy systems were characterized to evaluate the extent of clay platelet exfoliation and dispersion of nanoclay. GFRP composite panels were then fabricated with neat/modified epoxy resin and exposed to six different conditions, i.e. hot-dry/wet, cold-dry/wet, ultraviolet radiation and alternate ultraviolet radiation–condensation. Room temperature condition samples were also used for baseline consideration. An improved dispersion of nanoclay and exfoliation of clay platelets were observed in 2wt% of epoxy samples. Weight change, discoloration and significant reduction in properties were observed in all conditioned GFRP samples. However, addition of nanoclay considerably improved the durability of GFRP samples as evident from the mechanical and micrographical results in comparison to neat samples subjected to similar conditions.