Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Materials Research Articles

Measuring material velocity and thickness mapping of flax fiber-reinforced plastic composites using automated ultrasonic rapid motion scanner

The interest in using sustainable materials was a part of the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations in 2015, its mission aims to eradicate poverty and conserve the environment by the year 2023. The use of engineered bio-fiber has the potential to replace the usage of synthetic fibers. However, the diversification of the application is limitless. The intended paper investigates the detection of impurities of cured pre-impregnated bio-composite using C-scan ultrasound. The Flax Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composites were fabricated and cured with heat-assisted curing. The panels were inspected by an automatic ultrasonic rapid motion scanner to measure the material sound velocity of the Flax panel. As a result, the test obtained a reference value of Flax Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composite material sound velocity of 3.17 (31700 mm/s) for thickness mapping. The obtain sound velocity value can be used as a future reference for inspecting any type of flax material specimen by using the rapid motion scanner from Eddyfi Technologies.

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments of an Innovative FRP Composite Footbridge

Sustainable construction and the design of low-carbon structures is a major concern for the UK construction industry. FRP composite materials are seen as a suitable alternative to traditional construction materials due to their high strength and light weight. Network Rail has developed a prototype for a new innovative footbridge made entirely from FRP with the aim of replacing the current steel design for footbridges. This study conducted a life cycle analysis of this novel composite footbridge design to quantify the cost and environmental benefits. An LCA and LCC analysis framework was used to analyse the environmental impacts and cost savings of the bridge throughout its lifespan from raw material extraction to its end of life. From the results of the LCA and LCC, the FRP footbridge sustainability was reviewed and compared to a standard steel footbridge. Due to the uncertainty of the fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) structure’s lifespan, multiple scenarios for longevity at the assets-use stage were studied. The study revealed that the FRP bridge offered substantial economic savings whilst presenting potentially worse environmental impacts, mainly caused by the impact of the production of FRP materials. However, our study also demonstrated the influences of uncertainties related to the glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) material design life and end-of-life disposal on the whole life cycle analyses. The results show that if the FRP footbridge surpasses its original estimation for lifespan, the economic savings can be increased and the environmental impacts can be reduced substantially.

Recycling of Waste Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composites: A Patent-Based Analysis

Fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials are increasingly used in many industrial applications, leading to an increase in the amount of waste that must be treated to avoid environmental problems. Currently, the scientific literature classifies existing recycling technologies into three macro-categories: mechanical, thermal, and chemical; however, none are identified as superior to the others. Therefore, scholars and companies struggle to understand where to focus their efforts. Patent analysis, by relying on quantitative data as a precursor to new technological developments, can contribute to fully grasping current applications of each recycling technology and provide insights about their future development perspectives. Based on these premises, this paper performs a patent technology roadmap to enhance knowledge about prior, current, and future use of the main recycling technologies. The results show that recycling macro-categories have different technology maturity levels and growth potentials. Specifically, mechanical recycling is the most mature, with the lowest growth potential, while thermal and chemical recycling are in their growth stage and present remarkable future opportunities. Moreover, the analysis depicts several perspectives for future development on recycling technologies applications within different industries and underline inter- and intra-category dependencies, thus providing valuable information for practitioners and both academic and non-academic backgrounds researchers interested in the topic.

Application of Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite material in automotive bumper

The emission problem of these traditional gasoline vehicles has become more and more serious. To reduce emission, an important method is to reduce the weight of the car. In this study, a standard model of a vehicle bumper is used to conduct the experiment on lightweight bumper design. The material simulated in the model of the bumper is CFRP material. The angle of each laminate of CFRP material and the layout of the laminate structure contains six layers are modeled in Hypermesh software. Then CFRO material is used to replace the traditional aluminum and reduce the weight of the front bumper component.

Stability and Load-Carrying Capacity of Thin-Walled FRP Composite Z-Profiles under Eccentric Compression.

This study investigates the effect of eccentric compressive load on the stability, critical states and load-carrying capacity of thin-walled composite Z-profiles. Short thin-walled columns made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite material fabricated by the autoclave technique are examined. In experimental tests, the thin-walled structures were compressed until a loss of their load-carrying capacity was obtained. The test parameters were measured to describe the structure’s behavior, including the phenomenon of composite material failure. The post-critical load-displacement equilibrium paths and the acoustic emission signal enabling analysis of the composite material condition during the loading process were measured. The scope of the study also included performing numerical simulations by finite element method to solve the problem of non-linear stability and to describe the phenomenon of composite material damage based on the progressive failure model. The obtained numerical results showed a good agreement with the experimental characteristics of real structures. The numerical results are compared with the experimental findings to validate the developed numerical model.

A Novel Strengthening Method for Damaged Pipeline under High Temperature Using Inorganic Insulation Material and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Material.

In this paper, a strengthening method for the damaged high-temperature steel pipeline using inorganic insulation material which was confined by carbon fiber reinforcement plastic (CFRP) composite materials was proposed. Two inorganic insulation materials were composed of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) mixing with perlite and vermiculite powders, respectively. The influences of insulation material composites with various ratios of the perlite or vermiculite powder were discussed, in terms of compressive strength and thermal conductivity coefficients of inorganic insulation materials. The insulation materials confined by carbon fiber reinforced polymer jackets for enhancing the mechanical behavior were also investigated. From the experimental results, the main finding of the work was that the inorganic insulation materials added to the perlite powder represented greater insulation capability than added vermiculite ones under the condition of the same compressive strength. Different ratios of perlite inorganic insulation material cylinders with the dimension of ϕ 10 cm × 20 cm were confined by one layer and two layers of CFRP composite material. The compressive strength of the specimens increased by 258%–927% after using 1-layer CFRP composite material and increased by 480%–1541% after applying 2-layer CFRP composite material. A peak strength prediction model of insulation materials confined by CFRP was proposed, and it was found that the proposed model accurately predicted the peak strength of the inorganic insulation material cylinder. Finally, a verification test of the strengthening method for damaged high-temperature pipeline was performed to prove that the proposed strengthening method is feasible.

Machining of Fibre Reinforced Plastic Composite Materials.

Fibre reinforced plastic composite materials are difficult to machine because of the anisotropy and inhomogeneity characterizing their microstructure and the abrasiveness of their reinforcement components. During machining, very rapid cutting tool wear development is experienced, and surface integrity damage is often produced in the machined parts. An accurate selection of the proper tool and machining conditions is therefore required, taking into account that the phenomena responsible for material removal in cutting of fibre reinforced plastic composite materials are fundamentally different from those of conventional metals and their alloys. To date, composite materials are increasingly used in several manufacturing sectors, such as the aerospace and automotive industry, and several research efforts have been spent to improve their machining processes. In the present review, the key issues that are concerning the machining of fibre reinforced plastic composite materials are discussed with reference to the main recent research works in the field, while considering both conventional and unconventional machining processes and reporting the more recent research achievements. For the different machining processes, the main results characterizing the recent research works and the trends for process developments are presented.

Superharmonic Resonance of Cross-Ply Laminates by the Method of Multiple Scales

General differential equations of motion in nonlinear forced vibration analysis of multilayered composite beams are derived by using the higher-order shear deformation theories (HSDT's). Viscoelastic properties of fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials are considered according to the Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic model for transversely isotropic composite materials. The method of multiple scales is employed to perform analytical frequency amplitude relationships for superharmonic resonance. Parametric study is conducted by considering various geometrical and material parameters, employing HSDT's and first-order deformation theory (FSDT).

The effect of support on multi-hole drilling for glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials

Mechanical joint of fastener is widely used in the assembling and repairing of the modern aircraft composite components, so multi-row holes are needed in jointing, and their quality directly influences the reliability of aircraft structures. So, multi-hole drilling of composite components becomes one of important processes. A large number of researchers have carried on the detailed and thorough research for the drilling process and corresponding damage based on single-hole drilling of composite materials, but none corresponding research was based on multi-hole drilling of composite materials. In the case of a round-hole array backing plate and a square-hollow backing plate as supporting, this paper carried out finite element simulation, theoretical analysis, and experimental research for multi-hole drilling of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite materials. The study aimed at contrasting and analyzing S33 stresses, thrust forces, and exit delamination damage of multi-hole drilling between the two kinds of support cases and between the internal of each support case. The results showed that S33 stresses, thrust forces, and exit delamination damage existed significant difference between two kinds of support cases. What is more, S33 stresses, thrust forces, and exit delamination damage have no difference with a round-hole array backing plate as supporting; under a square-hollow backing plate as a support, S33 stresses, thrust forces, and exit delamination damage existed significant difference with the changing of straight-line distances from the center of hole to the center of backing framework. On the basis of this study, the analytical results provided corresponding theoretical guidance for the multi-hole drilling in the assembling and repairing for the composite components.

Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Glass/Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Over the past three to four decades, the application of composite materials has been rising from traditional areas such as aircraft engineering to various fields (automobile industry, marines, civil engineering) because they have desired properties which cannot be achieved by other types of constituent materials. Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) has significantly expanded their application in aerospace industry in recent years. Advantages like light weight, low cost, simple maintenance and superior corrosion resistance have been recognized although the design of fiber reinforced materials are typically not well understood as those for metallic counterpart. Long term degradation of FRP requires distinctive strength design methods, acceptance criteria, testing procedures, etc. Glass fibers alone have very less Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio and because of this disadvantage this material is not recommended for many works in aircrafts. On the other side, carbon fiber has very excellent mechanical properties but it’s too costly and the orientation of the fibers plays a vital role. For conducting the tests like tensile and compressive test for the flat FRP in universal testing machine is unavailable. In this paper, we discuss the new setup and system to conduct the above mentioned test for the flat FRP material and also conducting the test for the hybrid fiber reinforced plastic with glass and carbon fibers in the universal testing machine. From the tensile and compressive tests, the value of Young’s modulus, tensile strength and compressive strength and Poisson’s ratio of the hybrid FRP composite materials has been achieved.

High Performance Cutting of Fibre Reinforced Plastic Composite Materials

Composite materials are difficult to machine because of the anisotropy and inhomogeneity of their microstructure and the abrasiveness of their reinforcement components. This low machinability can determine surface integrity damage in the machined parts and very rapid wear development in the cutting tool. To date, conventional machining processes, such as turning, drilling or milling, are increasingly required for composite materials parts manufacturing, and can be successfully applied if proper tool design is achieved and adequate machining conditions are selected. This paper presents an outline of the main issues pertaining the machining of fibre reinforced plastic composite materials.

Synthesis and Characterization of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Filled Hybrid Banana-Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites

Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite (NFRC) are used by replacing Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites (SFRC) because of its poor reusability, recycling, bio degradability. Even though NFRC are lack in thermal stability, strength degradation, water absorption and poor impact properties. The hybridization and nanoparticles mixed in different polymers are used to improve mechanical and wear properties of the polymer composites. In the present investigation Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in Epoxy resin using ultrasonic bath sonicator are used as matrix face for hybrid banana-Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics composite materials which is manufactured by compression molding processes. As per ASTM standards tensile, compression tests are carried out by using Universal Testing Machine. Microstructure of samples are investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDS). SEM shows the homogeneous distribution of the fiber in the modified polymer matrix. The results indicated that the increase in weight % of MWCNT improves the mechanical properties of MWCNT filled hybrid natural fiber composites.

Environmental damage and degradation of FRP composites: A review report

Fiber‐reinforced plastics (FRP) composites are prime choice materials in various civil engineering structures and high performance aerospace components. They exhibit superior mechanical properties than their metallic counterparts. However, they are susceptible to environmental damages and degradations. To utilize the full potential of FRP composite materials their physical, chemical, and mechanical behavior in different environmental conditions should be well established. Present review is an attempt at highlighting different damage/degradations that may be caused to the FRP composite on its exposure to various environmental conditions. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:410–423, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

테라헤르츠파를 이용한 FRP 복합재료의 비파괴결함평가

A study of terahertz waves was made for the nondestructive evaluation of FRP (Fiber reinforced plastics) composite materials. The terahertz systems were consisted of time domain spectroscopy (TDS) and continuous wave (CW). The composite materials investigated include both non-conducting polymeric composites and conducting carbon fiber composites. Terahertz signals in the TDS mode resembles that of ultrasound; however, unlike ultrasound, a terahertz pulse was not able to detect a material with conductivity. The CFRP (Carbon fiber reinforced plastics) laminates were utilized for confirming the experimentation in the terahertz NDE. In carbon composites the penetration of terahertz waves is quite limited and the detection of flaws is strongly affected by the angle between the electric field direction of the terahertz waves and the intervening fiber directions. A refractive index (n) was defined as one of mechanical properties; so a method was obtained in order solve the "n" in the material with non-conductivity. The usefulness and limitations of terahertz radiation are investigated for the NDE of FRP composites.

T-ray를 이용한 풍력터빈 브레이드 비파괴결함평가

A study of terahertz waves (T-ray) was made for the nondestructive evaluation of FRP (Fiber reinforced plastics) composite materials. The to-be-used systems were time domain spectroscopy (TDS) and continuous wave (CW). The composite materials investigated include both turbine blades of wind energy (non-conducting polymeric composites) and conducting carbon fiber composites. Terahertz signals in the TDS mode resembles that of ultrasound; however, unlike ultrasound, a terahertz pulse was not able to detect a material with conductivity. This was demonstrated in CFRP (Carbon fiber reinforced plastics) laminates. Refractive index (n) was defined as one of mechanical properties; so a method was solved in order solve the n in the material with the cut parts of the turbine blades of wind energy. The defects and anomalies investigated by terahertz radiation were foreign material inclusions and simulated disband. Especially, it is found that the T-ray went through the turbine blade with greater thickness (about 90mm).

Drilling of uni-directional glass fiber reinforced plastics: Experimental and finite element study

The use of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) has increased manifold over the last few years. Generally developed for aerospace and other high-end applications, composites are now making inroads into the automotive and general engineering market. Thus good quality and cost-effective manufacturing of FRP composites becomes imperative. Drilling of holes is an important machining operation to ascertain the assembly operations in intricate composite parts. The research endeavors in the field of drilling of composite materials have focused on optimization of the operating variables, tool geometry and theoretical modeling of the critical thrust force. The work done in the Finite Element (FE) modeling of the drilling of FRP composite materials is limited. The present initiative is an attempt to investigate statistically the relative significance of the drilling parameters on the thrust force and torque. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) are then used to make assumptions for developing a Finite Element model for predicting drilling induced damage. The FE results are found in good agreement with the experimental results.

Investigation of Fracture in Transparent Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Using Photoelasticity

Fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials are being widely used in a variety of load bearing and high-performance structures. Reliable use and optimum design requires accurate methods for predicting their fracture behavior, among other things. Fiber reinforced plastic composites are generally opaque and hence experimental fracture mechanics studies utilize surface measurements or post-fracture analysis. Hence quality transparent glass cloth reinforced polyester composites have been fabricated and transmission photoelasticity used to investigate quasi-static Mode-I fracture. The isochromatic fringe patterns obtained were analyzed using orthotropic photoelasticity to determine Mode-I stress intensity factors. Opening mode stress field equations in conjunction with an orthotropic stress-optic law were utilized to regenerate the isochromatic fringe patterns. Good agreement was found between the regenerated fringe patterns and the experimentally obtained patterns

On the Sliding Friction Characteristics of Unidirectional Continuous FRP Composites

By applying a closed-form analytical solution Hwu and Fan (1998) for an anisotropic half-plane, the contact characteristics of unidirectional continuous fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites are investigated. The particular condition of a rigid parabolic cylinder in normal sliding contact with the composite is evaluated. The influence of FRP composite matrix material, friction coefficient, fiber material, fiber orientation, and fiber volume fraction on the surface contact pressure are determined and evaluated by comparison to published experimental data and results from the finite element method. From the analytical results, several important trends for the contact characteristics of fiber-reinforced plastics are ascertained and discussed with respect to the wear and design-ability of FRP materials.

Shear Strengthening of RCT-Joints Using CFRP Composites

The rehabilitation of RC columns jacketed with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites for improving shear strength, confinement, and ductility has received considerable attention. However, research for improving the shear capacity of beam-column T-joints using FRP composite materials is still in the early stages. The present paper describes the experimental results of 14 1/3-scale tests of concrete beam-column joints. The variables considered were the composite system, the fiber orientation, and the surface preparation. The tests have demonstrated the viability of carbon FRP composites for their use in improving the shear capacity of the joints as evidenced by the experimental results. Based on these experimental results, a design aid was developed for T-joints with inadequate confinement and shear reinforcement.

Hybrid fiber-reinforced plastic composite material: Yamamura, T., Tokuse, M. and Furushima, T. (Ube Industries Limited, Ube, Japan) US Pat 4 770 926 (13 September 1988)

Hybrid fiber-reinforced plastic composite material: Yamamura, T., Tokuse, M. and Furushima, T. (Ube Industries Limited, Ube, Japan) US Pat 4 770 926 (13 September 1988)