
handle: 1974/26337
Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) are a composite system which may be able to meet the demands of both new and existing infrastructures. Due to its constituents’ environmental impact, natural alternatives are becoming increasingly popular; however, their longevity still needs to be assessed prior to its use in civil infrastructure. In this thesis, the long-term performance and durability of natural fibres (flax) and resins (epoxidized pine oil (EPO) and furfuryl alcohol (FA)) were investigated, using 729 tension coupons and 36 structural insulated panels (SIP). Four phenomena were studied: wet-dry cycling, freeze-thaw cycling, cold temperature testing and mechanical fatigue testing. Flax-FRP (FFRP) exposed to 12 wet-dry cycles experienced maximum reductions of 12% and 19% in tensile strength and modulus, respectively, due to delamination at the fibre-resin interface. FFRP exposed to 300 freeze-thaw cycles experienced maximum reductions of 8% and 10% in tensile strength and modulus, respectively, due to delamination at the fibre-resin interface and damage within the fibres. In both cases, conventional epoxy and EPO underwent hydrolysis, and exhibited a decreased and increased glass transition temperature, respectively. To mitigate damage, flax was treated to reduce moisture absorption and improve fibre-resin bond, although similar deterioration was observed post-conditioning. Conversely, conventional glass-FRP showed no deterioration. Furthermore, FFRP tested at cold temperatures resulted in a 20% increase in stiffness, specifically the slope of the second linear phase of its bi-linear stress-strain response. FFRP-skinned SIPs tested at cold temperatures showed a 28% increase in capacity under flexural load; however, there was no impact on the load-deflection response within serviceability limits. Finally, FA-based carbon-FRP (CFRP) was tested in tension-tension fatigue. Based on a 2,000,000 fatigue life, the ASTM model predicted an allowable stress amplitude of 59% and the Whitworth model predicted a modulus retention of 65%. Conventional epoxy-CFRP had a predicted modulus retention of 80%. Through this study, it is clear that FFRP with a higher FVF will be more resilient against cyclic environmental exposure than those with fibre treatment; and, its performance will improve in cold climates. Furthermore, FA-CFRP’s fatigue performance is worst than epoxy-CFRP; however, this trade-off may be beneficial for its chemical resistance.
sandwich panels, flax, fibre, environmental degradation, durability, cold climate, fatigue, FRP
sandwich panels, flax, fibre, environmental degradation, durability, cold climate, fatigue, FRP
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
