Multi-objective design optimisation of GFRP sandwich beams

A novel Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sandwich panel was developed by an Australian manufacturer for civil engineering applications. This research is motivated by the new applications of GFRP sandwich structures in civil engineering such as slab, beam, girder and sleeper. An optimisation methodology is developed in this work to enhance the design of GFRP sandwich beams. The design of single and glue laminated GFRP sandwich beam were conducted by using numerical optimisation. The numerical multi-objective optimisation considered a design two objectives simultaneously. These objectives are cost and mass. The numerical optimisation uses the Adaptive Range Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (ARMOGA) and Finite Element (FE) method. Trade-offs between objectives was found during the optimisation process. Multi-objective optimisation shows a core to skin mass ratio equal to 3.68 for the single sandwich beam cross section optimisation and it showed that the optimum core to skin thickness ratio is 11.0.

Environmental effects on fibre-Polymer composites

Moisture absorption characteristics and its effects on the mechanical properties and failure process of polymers (neat epoxy and polyester resins) and composites with simple (glass, carbon and kevlar) and hybrid (glass-carbon, carbon-kevlar and kevlar-glass) fibres were experimentally determined before and after immersion in water at 343 K for 20 days. The maximum moisture content (Mm) and diffusion coefficient (Dx) of these composites were determined. The degradation in ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus due to the moisture content were experimentally determined and found to be quite significant. Acoustic emissions, from specimens before and after exposure, were monitored during the load cycle, and revealed a significant change in the failure process of these composites. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies on failed exposed and unexposed specimens revealed resin leach out and fibre prominence.

Externally confined concrete columns using FRP tubes

This paper presents an experimental investigation carried out on concrete filled fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) tubes, subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. Two types of FRP materials were used: glass fibres and carbon fibres. Different failure modes and the effect of concrete fill, type of confinement materials, reinforcement ratio based on tube thickness and type of loading are examined. The study shows that external confinement of concrete by means of modern materials, such fibre reinforced polymers, can enhance its strength and ductility as well as result in large energy absorption capacity. This has important safety implications, especially in regions with seismic activity. A model that predicts the behaviour of confined concrete which takes into account the stiffness and effectiveness of different confinement materials is briefly introduced.

Re-use assessment of thermoset composite wastes as aggregate and filler replacement for concrete-polymer composite materials: a case study regarding GFRP pultrusion wastes

Glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRP), nowadays commonly used in the construction, transportation and automobile sectors, have been considered inherently difficult to recycle due to both the cross-linked nature of thermoset resins, which cannot be remoulded, and the complex composition of the composite itself, which includes glass fibres, polymer matrix and different types of inorganic fillers. Hence, to date, most of the thermoset based GFRP waste is being incinerated or landfilled leading to negative environmental impacts and additional costs to producers and suppliers. With an increasing awareness of environmental matters and the subsequent desire to save resources, recycling would convert an expensive waste disposal into a profitable reusable material. In this study, the effect of the incorporation of mechanically recycled GFRP pultrusion wastes on flexural and compressive behaviour of polyester polymer mortars (PM) was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of GFRP recyclates (0%, 4%, 8% and 12%, w/w), with distinct size grades (coarse fibrous mixture and fine powdered mixture), were incorporated into polyester PM as sand aggregates and filler replacements. The effect of the incorporation of a silane coupling agent was also assessed. Experimental results revealed that GFRP waste filled polymer mortars show improved mechanical behaviour over unmodified polyester based mortars, thus indicating the feasibility of GFRP waste reuse as raw material in concrete-polymer composites.

Comparative study about heating systems for pultrusion process

Different heating systems have been used in pultrusion, where the most widely used heaters are planar resistances. The primary objective of this study was to develop an improved heating system and compare its performance with that of a system with planar resistances. In this study, thermography was used to better understand the temperature profile along the die. Finite element analysis was performed to determine the amount of energy consumed by the heating systems. Improvements were made to the die to test the new heating system, and it was found that the new system reduced the setup time and energy consumption by approximately 57%.

Micro-abrasion wear behaviour of TiAlCrSiN nanostructured coatings

The injection process of glass fibres reinforced plastics promotes the moulds surface degradation by erosion. In order to improve its wear resistance, several kinds of PVD thin hard coatings were used. It is well-known that nanostructures present a better compromise between hardness and toughness. Indeed, when the coating is constituted by a large number of ultra-thin different layers, cracks and interface troubles tend to decrease. However, it is not clear that these nanostructures present a better wear behaviour in erosion processes. In order to study its wear behaviour, a sputtered PVD nanostructured TiAlCrSiN coating was used. The substrate and film surfaces topography were analyzed by profilometry and atomic force microscopy techniques. Film adhesion to the substrate was evaluated by scratch tests. The surface hardness was measured with a Vickers micro-hardness tester. The wear resistance was evaluated by micro-abrasion with a rotating ball tribometer tests. Slurry of SiC particles in distilled water was used in order to provoke the surface abrasion. Different duration tests were performed in order to analyze the wear evolution. After these tests, the wear mechanisms developed were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Wear craters were measured and the wear rate was calculated and discussed. With the same purpose, coated inserts were mounted in an injection mould working with a 30% glass fibres reinforced polypropylene. After 45 000 cycles no relevant wear was registered.

Optimising the energy consumption on pultrusion process

This study is based on a previous experimental work in which embedded cylindrical heaters were applied to a pultrusion machine die, and resultant energetic performance compared with that achieved with the former heating system based on planar resistances. The previous work allowed to conclude that the use of embedded resistances enhances significantly the energetic performance of pultrusion process, leading to 57% decrease of energy consumption. However, the aforementioned study was developed with basis on an existing pultrusion die, which only allowed a single relative position for the heaters. In the present work, new relative positions for the heaters were investigated in order to optimise heat distribution process and energy consumption. Finite Elements Analysis was applied as an efficient tool to identify the best relative position of the heaters into the die, taking into account the usual parameters involved in the process and the control system already tested in the previous study. The analysis was firstly developed based on eight cylindrical heaters located in four different location plans. In a second phase, in order to refine the results, a new approach was adopted using sixteen heaters with the same total power. Final results allow to conclude that the correct positioning of the heaters can contribute to about 10% of energy consumption reduction, decreasing the production costs and leading to a better eco-efficiency of pultrusion process.

Optimization process of polyester polymer mortars modified with recycled GFRP waste aggregates – application of factorial experiment design-

Glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRP), nowadays commonly used in the construction, transportation and automobile sectors, have been considered inherently difficult to recycle due to both: cross-linked nature of thermoset resins, which cannot be remolded, and complex composition of the composite itself, which includes glass fibres, matrix and different types of inorganic fillers. Presently, most of the GFRP waste is landfilled leading to negative environmental impacts and supplementary added costs. With an increasing awareness of environmental matters and the subsequent desire to save resources, recycling would convert an expensive waste disposal into a profitable reusable material. There are several methods to recycle GFR thermostable materials: (a) incineration, with partial energy recovery due to the heat generated during organic part combustion; (b) thermal and/or chemical recycling, such as solvolysis, pyrolisis and similar thermal decomposition processes, with glass fibre recovering; and (c) mechanical recycling or size reduction, in which the material is subjected to a milling process in order to obtain a specific grain size that makes the material suitable as reinforcement in new formulations. This last method has important advantages over the previous ones: there is no atmospheric pollution by gas emission, a much simpler equipment is required as compared with ovens necessary for thermal recycling processes, and does not require the use of chemical solvents with subsequent environmental impacts. In this study the effect of incorporation of recycled GFRP waste materials, obtained by means of milling processes, on mechanical behavior of polyester polymer mortars was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of recycled GFRP waste materials, with distinct size gradings, were incorporated into polyester polymer mortars as sand aggregates and filler replacements. The effect of GFRP waste treatment with silane coupling agent was also assessed. Design of experiments and data treatment were accomplish by means of factorial design and analysis of variance ANOVA. The use of factorial experiment design, instead of the one factor at-a-time method is efficient at allowing the evaluation of the effects and possible interactions of the different material factors involved. Experimental results were promising toward the recyclability of GFRP waste materials as polymer mortar aggregates, without significant loss of mechanical properties with regard to non-modified polymer mortars.

New end-use application for GFRP recyclates as reinforcement for concrete-polymer materials’

Glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRP), nowadays commonly used in the construction, transportation and automobile sectors, have been considered inherently difficult to recycle due to both: cross-linked nature of thermoset resins, which cannot be remolded, and complex composition of the composite itself, which includes glass fibres, matrix and different types of inorganic fillers. Presently, most of the GFRP waste is landfilled leading to negative environmental impacts and supplementary added costs. With an increasing awareness of environmental matters and the subsequent desire to save resources, recycling would convert an expensive waste disposal into a profitable reusable material. There are several methods to recycle GFR thermostable materials: (a) incineration, with partial energy recovery due to the heat generated during organic part combustion; (b) thermal and/or chemical recycling, such as solvolysis, pyrolisis and similar thermal decomposition processes, with glass fibre recovering; and (c) mechanical recycling or size reduction, in which the material is subjected to a milling process in order to obtain a specific grain size that makes the material suitable as reinforcement in new formulations. This last method has important advantages over the previous ones: there is no atmospheric pollution by gas emission, a much simpler equipment is required as compared with ovens necessary for thermal recycling processes, and does not require the use of chemical solvents with subsequent environmental impacts. In this study the effect of incorporation of recycled GFRP waste materials, obtained by means of milling processes, on mechanical behavior of polyester polymer mortars was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of recycled GFRP waste materials, with distinct size gradings, were incorporated into polyester polymer mortars as sand aggregates and filler replacements. The effect of GFRP waste treatment with silane coupling agent was also assessed. Design of experiments and data treatment were accomplish by means of factorial design and analysis of variance ANOVA. The use of factorial experiment design, instead of the one-factor-at-a-time method is efficient at allowing the evaluation of the effects and possible interactions of the different material factors involved. Experimental results were promising toward the recyclability of GFRP waste materials as aggregates and filler replacements for polymer mortar, with significant gain of mechanical properties with regard to non-modified polymer mortars.

Re-Use Assessment of Thermoset Composite Wastes as Aggregate and Filler Replacement for Concrete-Polymer Composite Materials: A case study regarding GFRP pultrusion wastes

Glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRP), nowadays commonly used in the construction, transportation and automobile sectors, have been considered inherently difficult to recycle due to both the cross-linked nature of thermoset resins, which cannot be remoulded, and the complex composition of the composite itself, which includes glass fibres, polymer matrix and different types of inorganic fillers. Hence, to date, most of the thermoset based GFRP waste is being incinerated or landfilled leading to negative environmental impacts and additional costs to producers and suppliers. With an increasing awareness of environmental matters and the subsequent desire to save resources, recycling would convert an expensive waste disposal into a profitable reusable material. In this study, the effect of the incorporation of mechanically recycled GFRP pultrusion wastes on flexural and compressive behaviour of polyester polymer mortars (PM) was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of GFRP recyclates (0%, 4%, 8% and 12%, w/w), with distinct size grades (coarse fibrous mixture and fine powdered mixture), were incorporated into polyester PM as sand aggregates and filler replacements. The effect of the incorporation of a silane coupling agent was also assessed. Experimental results revealed that GFRP waste filled polymer mortars show improved mechanical behaviour over unmodified polyester based mortars, thus indicating the feasibility of GFRP waste reuse as raw material in concrete-polymer composites.

Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Passive and Active Polymer Photonic Devices

The rapid developments in fields such as fibre optic communication engineering and integrated optical electronics have expanded the interest and have increased the expectations about guided wave optics, in which optical waveguides and optical fibres play a central role. The technology of guided wave photonics now plays a role in generating information (guided-wave sensors) and processing information (spectral analysis, analog-to-digital conversion and other optical communication schemes) in addition to its original application of transmitting information (fibre optic communication). Passive and active polymer devices have generated much research interest recently because of the versatility of the fabrication techniques and the potential applications in two important areas – short distant communication network and special functionality optical devices such as amplifiers, switches and sensors. Polymer optical waveguides and fibres are often designed to have large cores with 10-1000 micrometer diameter to facilitate easy connection and splicing. Large diameter polymer optical fibres being less fragile and vastly easier to work with than glass fibres, are attractive in sensing applications. Sensors using commercial plastic optical fibres are based on ideas already used in silica glass sensors, but exploiting the flexible and cost effective nature of the plastic optical fibre for harsh environments and throw-away sensors. In the field of Photonics, considerable attention is centering on the use of polymer waveguides and fibres, as they have a great potential to create all-optical devices. By attaching organic dyes to the polymer system we can incorporate a variety of optical functions. Organic dye doped polymer waveguides and fibres are potential candidates for solid state gain media. High power and high gain optical amplification in organic dye-doped polymer waveguide amplifier is possible due to extremely large emission cross sections of dyes. Also, an extensive choice of organic dye dopants is possible resulting in amplification covering a wide range in the visible region.

Modification of Short Fibre Reinforced pp and HDPE Using Nanosilica

The present study was undertaken to prepare nanosilica by a simple cost effective means and to use it as a potential nanomodifier in thermoplastic matrices and to develop useful composites. Nanosilica was prepared from sodium silicate and dilute hydrochloric acid by polymer induced crystallization technique under controlled conditions. The silica surface was modified by silane coupling agent to decrease the agglomeration and thus to increase the reinforcement with polymer. The pristine nanosilica and modified nanosilica were used to make nano-micro hybrid composites. Short glass fibres and nylon fibres were used as microfillers. The hybrid nanocomposites based on Polypropylene (PP) and High density poly ethylene (HOPE) are prepared. The mechanical, thermal, crystallization and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites are evaluated.

Compósitos híbridos: desenvolvimento de configuração e efeitos de umidificação

The advantage in using vegetable fibres in place of synthetic fibres such as glass fibre, for reinforcements in composites are: biodegradability, low cost, low density, good tenacity, good thermal properties, low energy content and reduced use of instruments for its treatment or processing. Even though, problems related to low mechanical performance of some of the natural fibres, has caused difficulty in their direct application in structural elements. The use of alternative materials like hybrid composites has been encouraged, thus trying to better the structural performance of the composites with natural fibres. This work presents a comparative study of the strength and stiffness of hybrid composites with orthopthalic polyester matrix reinforced with E-fibre glass, jute and curauá. The experimental part includes uniaxial tension and three point bending tests to determine the mechanical properties of the final product. The hybrid composite was manufactured in a local industry and was in the form of laminates. All the samples were projected to withstand the possible structural applications as reservoirs and pipes. CH (laminated hybrid composite with glass and curauá fibres). The results obtained show clearly the influence of the hybridization in all the types tested and indicate a good mechanical performance of the composite with glass/curauá fibres in relation to the composite with glass fibres. Aspects in relation to the interfaces glass/curauá composites besides the fracture characteristics for all loading types were also analysed

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de compósitos de fibras naturais modificadas e híbridos: fibras da coroa do abacaxi/polipropileno e fibras da coroa do abacaxi/fibras de vidro/polipropileno

The concern with the environment preservation has done with that researchers as well as industries invest in the search for materials that come from renewable sources. Natural fibers, because they are ecologically correct and have low cost, have been studied as a possible substitute, even if partial, of synthetic fibers in the development of polymeric composites. In this context, the hybrid composites (natural/synthetic) increase considerably the range of application of natural composites. The auto industry, in its constant quest for good mechanical properties materials which are developed with sustainability, has in composites with hybrid reinforcement a very viable alternative. In the present work, the nature Crown pineapple fibers and nature Crown pineapple fibers treated with alkaline solution were studied in order to evaluate the influence of chemical treatment in its properties. For this techniques were used x-ray diffractometry, Thermogravimetry and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Composites have been developed using polypropylene, reinforced with pineapple fibers and pineapple fibers hybrids/glass fibres, both with levels of 5 and 10%. These composites were analyzed by Thermogravimetry techniques and tested by traction. The realization of this work indicated that although the chemical treatment did not affect the thermal stability of the fibers, caused an increase in crystallinity index fibers and decreased its hydrophilic. The tests performed on composite indicated that the composites process was suitable because it provided good dispersion of the polymer matrix. The addition of natural fibers from the pineapple's Crown, in a proportion of 10%, provided the greatest increase in modulus of elasticity (27%) when compared to the pure polymer

Sea-floor videos and photographs (benthos) along 6 shelf profiles from the eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica taken with remote operated vehicel CHEROKEE during Polarstern cruise ANT-XXI/2

The ROV operations had three objectives: (1) to check, whether the "Cherokee" system is suited for advanced benthological work in the high latitude Antarctic shelf areas; (2) to support the disturbance experiment, providing immediate visual Information; (3) to continue ecological work that started in 1989 at the hilltop situated at the northern margin of the Norsel Bank off the 4-Seasons Inlet (Weddell Sea). The "Cherokee" is was equipped with 3 video cameras, 2 of which support the operation. A high resolution Tritech Typhoon camera is used for scientific observations to be recorded. In addition, the ROV has a manipulator, a still camera, lights and strobe, compass, 2 lasers, a Posidonia transponder and an obstacle avoidance Sonar. The size of the vehicle is 160 X 90 X 90cm. In the present configuration without TMS (tether management system) the deployment has to start with paying out the full cable length, lay it in loops on deck and connect the glass fibres at the tether's spool winch. After a final technical check the vehicle is deployed into the water, actively driven perpendicular to the ship's axis and floatings are fixed to the tether. At a cable length of approx. 50 m, the tether is tightened to the depressor by several cable ties and both components are lowered towards the sea floor, the vehicle by the thruster's propulsion and the depressor by the ship's winch. At 5 m intervals the tether has to be tied to the single conductor cable. In good weather conditions the instruments supporting the navigation of the ROV, especially the Posidonia system, allow an operation mode to follow the ship's course if the ship's speed is slow. Together with the lasers which act as a scale in the images they also allow a reproducible scientific analysis since the transect can be plotted in a GIS system. Consequently, the area observed can be easily calculated. An operation as a predominantly drifting system, especially in areas with bottom near currents, is also possible, however, the connection of the tether at the rear of the vehicle is unsuitable for such conditions. The recovery of the system corresponds to that of the deployment. Most important is to reach the surface of the sea at a safe distance perpendicular to the ship's axis in order not to interfere with the ship's propellers. During this phase the Posidonia transponder system is of high relevance although it has to be switched off at a water depth of approx. 40 m. The minimum personal needed is 4 persons to handle the tether on deck, one person to operate the ship's winch, one pilot and one additional technician for the ROV's operation itself, one scientist, and one person on the ship's bridge in addition to one on deck for whale watching when the Posidonia system is in use. The time for the deployment of the ROV until it reaches the sea floor depends on the water depth and consequently on the length of the cable to be paid out beforehand and to be tightened to the single conductor cable. Deployment and recovery at intermediate water depths can last up to 2 hours each. A reasonable time for benthological observations close to the sea floor is 1 to 3 hours but can be extended if scientifically justified. Preliminary results: after a first test station, the ROV was deployed 3 times for observations related to the disturbance experiment. A first attempt to Cross the hilltop at the northern margin of the Norsel Bank close to the 4- Seasons Inlet was successful only for the first hundreds of metres transect length. The benthic community was dominated in biomass by the demosponge Cinachyra barbata. Due to the strong current of approx. 1 nm/h, the design of the system, and an expected more difficult current regime between grounded icebergs and the top of the hilltop the operation was stopped before the hilltop was reached. In a second attempt the hilltop was successfully crossed because the current and wind situation was much more suitable. In contrast to earlier expeditions with the "sprint" ROV it was the first time that both slopes, the smoother in the northeast and the steeper in the southwest were continuously observed during one cast. A coarse classification of the hilltop fauna shows patches dominated by single taxa: cnidarians, hydrozoans, holothurians, sea urchins and stalked sponges. Approximately 20 % of the north-eastern slope was devastated by grounding icebergs. Here the sediments consisted of large boulders, gravel or blocks of finer sediment looking like an irregularly ploughed field. On the Norsel Bank the Cinachyra concentrations were locally associated with high abundances of sea anemones. Total observation time amounted to 11.5 hours corresponding to almost 6-9 km transect length.