Polymer Wrapping Research Articles

Triaxial compressive behavior of 3D printed PE fiber-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete

The layered deposition process of 3D concrete printing can lead to reduced mechanical properties at the interfaces between filaments. To address this limitation, external confinement devices, such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping, have been proposed to enhance the strength of 3D-printed concrete concrete. Achieving this requires a solid understanding of the triaxial mechanical performance of 3D-printed concrete. This study presents an experimental investigation of the triaxial compressive behavior of 3D-printed PE fiber-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (3DP-PEUHPC). A total of 16 pairs of concrete cubes were prepared, including mold-cast and 3D-printed specimens, and subjected to uniaxial and triaxial compression tests. The results revealed that the 3D-printed specimens exhibited either column-type or diagonal shear failures under triaxial compression. Weak bonding was observed at both filament-fusion and layer-fusion interfaces, with these weaker bonding interfaces, particularly when aligned parallel to the axial load, showing susceptibility to stress concentration and crack initiation. This led to a reduction in load-bearing capacity of the 3D-printed specimens compared to the mold-cast specimens. Importantly, as confining stresses increase, the difference in compressive strength between 3D-printed and mold-cast specimens decreases, highlighting the effectiveness of confinement in mitigating the directional weaknesses inherent in 3D-printed concrete. This paper also presents a modified model for predicting the axial stress-strain relationship of 3DP-PEUHPC under confinement, providing insights into the mechanism of FRP confinement on the compressive strength of 3D-printed concrete structures.

Chemically Self-Assembled Monolayer Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based Biosensor Platform for Amyloid-β Detection.

This paper presents a platform for amyloid-β (Aβ) biosensors, employing nearly monolayer semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sc-SWNTs) via click reaction. A high-purity sc-SWNT ink was obtained by employing a conjugated polymer wrapping method with the addition of silica gel. Aβ detection involved monitoring the electrical resistances of the sc-SWNT layers. Electrical resistances increased rapidly corresponding to the concentration of amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ1-42) peptides. Furthermore, we introduced Aβ peptides onto the 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succinimidyl ester (PBASE) linker, confirming that only the chemical adsorption of the peptide by the antibody-antigen reaction yielded a significant change in electrical resistance. The optimized sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 29% for Aβ at a concentration of 10 pM. Notably, the biosensor platform featuring chemically immobilized sc-SWNT networks can be customized by incorporating various bioreceptors beyond Aβ antibodies.

Achieving High-Performance Polymer-Wrapper-Free Aligned Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors Through Degradable Polymer Wrapping and Efficient Removal Techniques.

Semiconducting carbon nanotubes (s-CNTs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional silicon for ultrascaled field-effect transistors (FETs), owing to their exceptional properties. Aligned s-CNTs (A-CNTs) are particularly favored for practical applications due to their ability to provide higher driving current and lower contact resistance compared with individual s-CNTs or random networks. Achieving high-semiconducting-purity A-CNTs typically involves conjugated polymer wrapping for selective separation of s-CNTs, followed by self-assembly techniques. However, the presence of the polymer wrapper on A-CNTs can adversely impact electrical contact, gating efficiency, carrier transport, and device-to-device variations, necessitating its complete removal. While various methods have been explored for polymer removal, accurately characterizing the extent of removal remains a challenge. Traditional techniques such as absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) may not accurately depict the remaining polymer content on A-CNTs due to their inherent detection limits. Consequently, the performance of FETs based on pure polymer-wrapper-free A-CNTs is unclear. In this study, we present an approach for preparing high-semiconducting-purity and polymer-wrapper-free A-CNTs using poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-dinitrilomethine)-(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-dimethine)] (PFO-N-PFO), a degradable polymer, in conjunction with a modified dimension-limited self-alignment process (m-DLSA). Comprehensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations, complemented by absorption and XPS characterizations, provide robust evidence of the successful near-complete removal of the polymer wrapper via a cleaning procedure involving acidic degradation, hot solvent rinsing, and vacuum annealing. Furthermore, top-gated FETs based on these high-semiconducting-purity and polymer-wrapper-free A-CNTs exhibit good performance metrics, including an on-current (Ion) of 2.2 mA/μm, peak transconductance (gm) of 1.1 mS/μm, low contact resistance (Rc) of 191 Ω·μm, and negligible hysteresis, representing a significant advancement in the CNT-based FET technology.

Effect of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Wrapping on Mechanical Properties of Concrete Subjected to Fire

Effect of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Wrapping on Mechanical Properties of Concrete Subjected to Fire

Acoustic emission responses and damage estimation of coal with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer confinement under uniaxial compression

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping is a potential technique for coal pillar reinforcement. In this study, an acoustic emission (AE) technique was employed to monitor coal specimens with carbon FRP (CFRP) jackets during uniaxial compression, which addressed the inability to observe the cracks inside the FRP-reinforced coal pillars by conventional field inspection techniques. The spatiotemporal fractal evolution of the cumulated AE events during loading was investigated based on fractal theory. The results indicated that the AE response and fractal features of the coal specimens were closely related to their damage evolution, with CFRP exerting a significant influence. In particular, during the unstable crack development stage, the evolutionary patterns of the AE count and energy curves of the CFRP-confined specimens underwent a transformation from the slight shock–major shock type to the slight shock–sub-major shock–slight shock–major shock type, in contrast to the unconfined coal specimens. The AE b-values decreased to a minimum and then increased marginally. The AE spatial fractal dimension increased rapidly, whereas the AE temporal fractal dimension fluctuated significantly during the accumulation and release of strain energy. Ultimately, based on the AE count and AE energy evolution, a damage factor was proposed for the coal samples with CFRP jackets. Furthermore, a damage constitutive model was established, considering the CFRP jacket and the compaction characteristics of the coal. This model provides an effective description of the stress–strain relationship of coal specimens with CFRP jackets.

Polymer Wrapping State Changes at Defect Sites of Locally Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Polymer Wrapping State Changes at Defect Sites of Locally Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Band gap opening of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes via noncovalent symmetry breaking

Covalent bonding interactions determine the energy-momentum (E-k) dispersion (band structure) of solid-state materials. Here, we show that noncovalent interactions can modulate the E-k dispersion near the Fermi level of a low-dimensional nanoscale conductor. We demonstrate that low energy band gaps may be opened in metallic carbon nanotubes through polymer wrapping of the nanotube surface at fixed helical periodicity. Electronic spectral, chiro-optic, potentiometric, electronic device, and work function data corroborate that the magnitude of band gap opening depends on the nature of the polymer electronic structure. Polymer dewrapping reverses the conducting-to-semiconducting phase transition, restoring the native metallic carbon nanotube electronic structure. These results address a long-standing challenge to develop carbon nanotube electronic structures that are not realized through disruption of π conjugation, and establish a roadmap for designing and tuning specialized semiconductors that feature band gaps on the order of a few hundred meV.

Integrated behavioural analysis of FRP-confined circular columns using FEM and machine learning

This study investigates the structural behaviour of double-skin columns, introducing novel double-skin double filled tubular (DSDFT) columns, which utilise double steel tubes and concrete to enhance the load-carrying capacity and ductility beyond conventional double-skin hollow tubular (DSHT) columns, employing a combination of finite element model (FEM) and machine learning (ML) techniques. A total of 48 columns (DSHT+DSDFT) were created to examine the impact of various parameters, such as double steel tube configurations, thickness of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) layer, type of FRP material, and steel tube diameter, on the load-carrying capacity and ductility of the columns. The results were validated against the experimental findings to ensure their accuracy. Key findings highlight the advantages of the DSDFT configuration. Compared to the DSHT columns, the DSDFT columns exhibited remarkable 19.54 % to 101.21 % increases in the load-carrying capacity, demonstrating improved ductility and load-bearing capabilities. Thicker FRP layers enhanced the load-carrying capacity up to 15 %, however at the expense of the reduced axial strain. It was also observed that glass FRP wrapping displayed 25 % superior ultimate axial strain than aramid FRP wrapping. Four different ML models were assessed to predict the axial load-carrying capacity of the columns, with long short-term memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM models emerging as superior choices indicating exceptional predictive capabilities. This interdisciplinary approach offers valuable insights into designing and optimising confined column systems. It sheds light on both double-tube and single-tube configurations, propelling advancements in structural engineering practices for new constructions and retrofitting. Further, it lays out a blueprint for maximising the performance of the confined columns under the axial compression.

Carbon Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Mortar confinement of concrete cylinders: the matrix effect for multi-ply wrapping

The confinement of columns is one of the most used strengthening techniques for reinforced concrete (RC) framed structures being able to improve both the axial strength and ductility. In the last decades, technological advances provided different tools/solutions for the achievement of an effective confinement, among all: the RC-jacket, the steel ties, the fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping, and lastly the fabric reinforced cementitious mortar (FRCM) plastering.The proposed research aims to investigate two open-issues and their combination related to the use of the FRCM, such as the multi-ply confinement and the role of the inorganic matrix with respect to the confinement effectiveness. At this scope, a set of pure compression tests were carried out to evaluate the representative laws of the mechanical behaviour of confined columns, namely the axial stress versus axial/lateral strain. Consequently, the axial strength and ductility gains were computed. In particular, the investigated variables were the grade of the inorganic matrix, by varying its compressive strength (i.e. ∼25 MPa and ∼50 MPa), and the number of plies (i.e. 1, 2 and 3). The results showed that the higher gain in term of axial strength and ductility is met by increasing the mortar’s compressive/tensile strength and, at the same time, the number of plies. Lastly, available design-oriented analytical models were found able to predict the FRCM-confinement effect in terms of strength. In addition, an available analysis-oriented model accurately foreseen the axial stress–strain law when dealing with the high-grade strength matrix confining in both single, double and triple layer of FRCM-system.

One-step sorting of nearly single-chiral carbon nanotubes with (10,9) chirality of 1.3 nm diameter by backbone planarization of polydioctylfluorenes

The conjugated polymer wrapping method has been developed to sort semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sc-SWNTs). However, the method has rarely been applied in sorting nearly single-chiral SWNTs with large diameter despite the necessity of separating sc-SWNT with homogeneous optoelectrical characteristics for high-performance devices. In this study, nearly single-chiral sc-SWNTs with a 1.3 nm diameter are sorted via only conjugated polymer wrapping method using poly (9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO) in tetralin, without additional process. The PFO backbone chain is extended with a torsion angle of 180° in tetralin owing to strong intermolecular forces from the viscous solvent. Consequently, the backbone planarization of PFO enables the sorting of SWNTs of specific chirality. The phase of the wrapping polymer results in an enhanced chiral selectivity, with over 70 % of the sorted SWNTs in tetralin having a chirality of (10,9). These findings clarify the relationship between the conformation and chiral selectivity of the wrapping polymer in the conjugated polymer wrapping method and contribute to the development of highly uniform SWNT-based devices, which require single-chiral SWNTs with homogeneous optoelectrical characteristics.

Retrofitting of Thermally Affected Structural Compression Member Using Basalt FRP Laminates

Concrete structures exposed to high temperatures often experience thermal damage, which can significantly reduce their structural integrity. Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping is a common retrofitting technique used to restore the strength and durability of thermally affected concrete. This study investigates the effectiveness of Basalt Fiber-reinforced Polymer wrapping on different concrete specimens with varying orientations of wrapping. This study mainly focuses on various parameters as fiber orientation and wrapping methodology. A series of 15 columns of dimension 150mm x 150mm with a length of 700mm are cast and subjected to axial compression loading in a pre-heated condition until the initial cracking occurs. These cracked columns are made to strengthen using Basalt Fiber with different patterns of orientation of laminates. The retrofitted columns are subjected to axial compression loading to determine their maximum load-bearing capacities. The test results of this experiment is assessed and compared with conventional RC columns of same grade. The strength of retrofitted columns versus conventional ones are compared and analyzed. The maximum load bearing capacity for a particular pattern of wrapping is determined.

Compressive behavior of FRP-confined 3D printed ultra-high performance concrete cylinders

Three-dimensional (3D) concrete printing technology has attracted increasing applications due to its merits such as labor-saving. Due to difficulties in implementing reinforcements in 3D printed concrete (3DPC), 3DPC structures are commonly designed to predominantly resist compressive loadings. This paper proposes to further enhance the compressive performance of 3D printed ultra-high performance concrete (3DPU) elements by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping. Axial compression tests on FRP-confined 3D printed UHPC (FC3DPU) and unconfined 3D printed UHPC (UC3DPU) cylinders were conducted. The key variables include the loading directions (i.e., X, Y, Z directions) of the 3DPU cylinders and the FRP confinement thickness (i.e., one and two layers). Test results show that FRP wrapping can substantially enhance the strength and deformation capacity of 3DPU. Furthermore, the compressive strengths of the UC3DPU and FC3DPU in the X-direction are the highest, while they are the lowest in the Z-direction. The actual confinement ratio threshold for sufficient confinement of FC3DPU is 0.1. Two existing models of FRP-confined concrete were assessed, and results show that models of Liao et al. and Teng et al. have a comparable accuracy in predicting the ultimate axial stresses and strains of FC3DPU. Microscopic analysis reveals that 3DPU has more large defects (i.e., equivalent diameter (Eq) > 2 mm) in interlayers but less small defects (Eq < 2 mm) than the cast counterparts.

Hybrid strengthening scheme for reinforced concrete beams: Flexural behaviour and large-scale testing

Revision of design standards, new regulations, and planned/unplanned increases in loadings potentially make buildings vulnerable to changes in capacity demands. This may result in some structural components of an existing structure requiring strength or stiffness improvement. Strengthening of capacity deficit members is widely recognised as the preferred and sustainable choice in terms of conserving resources and minimising the carbon footprint. Strengthening techniques such as Reinforced Concrete (RC) jacketing, steel jacketing and Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping have been explored and widely used. However, when adopted solely, each scheme has its drawbacks. RC jacketing results in a considerable rise in the dead load, influencing the loading on the foundation and restricting the functional space available post-jacketing. Steel jacketing often lacks flexibility as a significant effort is required for installation. FRP improves the flexural strength response but produces low stiffness enhancement and lesser ductility. A hybrid strengthening option, i.e. a combination of the above strengthening methods, presents a viable option to address the limitations cost-effectively. This paper presents a pioneering attempt focused on improving the flexural performance of RC beams using a hybrid strengthening scheme comprising of RC jacketing and FRP. Four large-scale RC beams were prepared, and three of them were strengthened. The first was strengthened by RC jacketing, the second by a combination of RC jacketing and flexural FRP, and the last by the combination of RC jacketing, flexural FRP and FRP ‘U wrap’ in the shear zones. The specimens were tested using the four-point bending test. The flexural behaviour was assessed in terms of the peak moment capacity, flexural stiffness, load-displacement response, crack pattern and failure modes. The test results confirmed that hybrid strengthening leads to strength gain and stiffness gains of 105% and 90% respectively, as compared with the unstrengthened beam. The efficacy of the theoretically predicted strengths against the test strengths is assessed.

Perilaku tegangan-regangan beton yang terbuat dari agregat ringan buatan yang diperkuat dengan carbon fiber reinforced polymer

This paper describes the findings of a research study aimed at evaluating the impact of various parameters on the stress-strain behavior of concrete composed of artificial lightweight aggregates with rectangular cross-sections. The factors that were evaluated include the number of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers, the compressive strength of the concrete, and the cross-sectional shape of the concrete. A total of twenty-two test specimens were fabricated, wrapped with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), and subjected to concentric compressive loading for experimental evaluation. The experimental findings indicate that Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) demonstrates an excellent wrapping technique for lightweight concrete composed of lightweight aggregate. In addition to this, the test findings indicate a positive correlation between the number of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers employed and the resultant ultimate stress and strain shown by concrete composed of artificial lightweight aggregate. The test results additionally demonstrate a clear relationship between the rise in ultimate stress and the compressive strength of concrete, while showing an inverse relationship with the ultimate strain observed. Similarly, the test results indicate that the utilization of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping has more efficacy when applied to round cross-sectional shapes as opposed to rectangular cross-sectional shapes.

Providing a strategy to restore damaged RC beam-column joints with the combination of CFRP and HPFRCC

This paper endeavors to assess the seismic performance of 3D reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints situated on the exterior of buildings, but lacking special ductility requirements. The joints have been rehabilitated by High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC) and retrofitted using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) wrap methodology. In this context, five beam-column joints located on the exterior of a structure have been subjected to cyclic lateral loading, while being scaled down to half their original size. The present study entailed an investigation into the cyclic behavior of three control specimens in its initial stage. Following the initial examination, it was observed that the control specimens, lacking any designated ductility standards, experienced significant core damage. During the subsequent phase of experimentation, the impaired concrete sections of the control samples were remediated through substitution with HPFRCC matter. Additionally, CFRP sheets were implemented for retrofit purposes. The modified specimens were then exposed to comparable cycles of loading. An analysis is conducted on the empirical findings of the specimens under investigation. The findings of this study indicate that the utilization of HPFRCC materials and CFRP sheets in the restoration and enhancement of deteriorated joints has led to a notable enhancement of their strength and displacement capacity. Specifically, this approach has facilitated the creation of a flexural plastic hinge and impeded the occurrence of shear failure within the core, leading to an improved overall behavior of the repaired damaged joint, which is comparable to that of undamaged seismic joints. The application of this technique demonstrates a high degree of efficacy in the rehabilitation and enhancement of edifices with deficient seismic details that have sustained damage subsequent to an earthquake event.

Web Stiffening of Additive Manufactured Polylactide (PLA) Railroad Tracks Using Fiberglass Wrapping

Three-dimensional (3D) printed railroad tracks can properly address the rendering of a variety of topographic profiles of naturally occurring landscapes and reduce construction costs. Load tests of PLA railroad tracks found that web failure is a dominant failure mode. This paper evaluates the web stiffening strategies of additively fabricated PLA railroad tracks for rail-guided, micro-people movers (MPMs). To strengthen the track web, web-widening with additional PLA material and stiffening using composite reinforcement using glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) wrap have been investigated. The composite wrapping technique was conducted by bonding fiberglass cloth to both sides of the web using a polymeric resin. Flexural load tests were conducted on the specimens with different infill volume percentages. A linear trend was observed on the peak bending capacities of specimens with PLA infill fiber contents ranging between 20% to 100%. Different failure modes were observed for the different percentage specimens during the tests. When compared to their unreinforced counterparts, the 60% infill specimen had the largest increase in strength about 1,500 N in bending with the addition of GFRP wrap. The tangent stiffnesses of all samples were calculated which showed the 100% infill specimen had the highest increase of approximately 50%. The wrapping reinforcement was found to significantly modify the failure mechanisms of the 3D-printed tracks with different infill volume percentages. The strengthening of the 3D-printed tracks using GFRP wrapping is also shown to be similar to the widening of web sections of the additively printed railroad tracks.

(Invited) Discovery of Longer Fullertubes: From Synthesis to Isolation

Our recent laboratory findings are resulting in a growing list of newly discovered molecules within fullertube families. We are now isolating these individual fullertubes of increasing length in pure and pristine form. We now observe solubility of these fullertubes in organic solvents; hence it is unnecessary to use polymer wrapping or external derivatization that destroys the pristine fullertubular belt with pendant soluble groups. Initial purification and seminal characterization experiments for fullertubes in JACS, Angewandte Chemie, and Nanoscale (2020-2022) are generating excitement for application development. Likewise, investigations into the fundamental science of new fullertubes are also gathering momentum as scientists curiously and eagerly await their first characterization.For historical context, the timeline of laboratory purified and unfunctionalized (pristine) fullertubes is [5,5] C90-D5h(1) in 2010, [5,5] C100-D5d(1) in 2020, and [5,5] C120-D5d(1) in 2022. A recurring question asked to me at conferences is “To what lengths can fullertubes be extended?” For this reason, I will discuss our most recent findings and explorations into longer fullertubes with higher aspect ratios. Figure 1

Polymer Wrapping onto Nanoparticles Induces the Formation of Hybrid Colloids

Polymers stabilize the nanoparticles onto which they wrap, avoiding coagulation and undesired phase separation processes. Wrapping gives rise to hybrid colloids, and is useful in bio-intended applications. In non-covalent interaction modes, polymers physically adsorb onto the nanoparticles’ surface, NPs, and some of their portions protrude outside. Both their non-interacting parts and the free polymers are in contact with the solvent, and/or are dispersed in it. Wrapping/protruding ratios were forecast with a simple statistical thermodynamic model, and the related energy calculated. The wrapping efficiency is controlled by different contributions, which stabilize polymer/NP adducts. The most relevant ones are ascribed to the NP-polymer, polymer–polymer, and polymer–solvent interaction modes; the related energies are quite different from each other. Changes in the degrees of freedom for surface-bound polymer portions control the stability of adducts they form with the NPs. The links between wrapped, free, and protruding states also account for depletion, and control the system’s properties when the surface adsorption of hosts is undesired. Calculations based on the proposed approach were applied to PEO wrapping onto SiO2, silica, and nanoparticles. The interaction energy, W, and the changes in osmotic pressure associated with PEO binding onto the NPs have been evaluated according to the proposed model.

Hybrid Steel/NSM/GFRP System versus GFRP Wrapping for Upgrading RC Wall-like Columns.

Reinforced concrete (RC) wall-like columns are commonly employed in structures in Saudi Arabia. These columns are preferred by architects owing to their minimum projection in the usable space. However, they often need strengthening due to several reasons, such as the addition of more stories and increasing the live load as a result of changing the usage of the building. This research aimed to obtain the best scheme for the axial strengthening of RC wall-like columns. The challenge in this research is to develop strengthening schemes for RC wall-like columns, which are favored by architects. Accordingly, these schemes were designed so that the dimensions of the column cross-section are not increased. In this regard, six wall-like columns were experimentally examined in the event of axial compression with zero eccentricity. Two specimens were not retrofitted to be used as control columns, whereas four specimens were retrofitted with four schemes. The first scheme incorporated traditional glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) wrapping, while the second one utilized GFRP wrapping combined with steel plates. The last two schemes involved the addition of near-surface mounted (NSM) steel bars combined with GFRP wrapping and steel plates. The strengthened specimens were compared with regard to axial stiffness, maximum load, and dissipated energy. Besides column testing, two analytical approaches were suggested for computing the axial capacity of tested columns. Moreover, finite element (FE) analysis was performed for evaluating the axial load versus displacement response of tested columns. As an outcome of the study, the best strengthening scheme was proposed to be used by practicing engineers for axial upgrading of wall-like columns.

Fabrication and mechanical properties of metakaolin‐based geopolymer composites reinforced with auxetic fabrics

AbstractThis work presents a novel experimental study on the use of auxetic fabrics as the main reinforcement in geopolymer composites, aiming at higher energy dissipation in impact demanding applications. For this, a potassium‐based geopolymer was reinforced with an auxetic fabric consisting of basalt fiber fillings positioned between helical auxetic yarns (HAY) made of a thermoplastic polyester core, and a stiffer liquid‐crystal polymer wrap, which dispersed the load demands into several single elements having different capabilities. The composites were investigated under quasi‐static flexural and tensile loadings, in both longitudinal and transverse directions. The latter showed increased mechanical strengths, up to 26 MPa in tension, and 12.8 MPa in flexural strength. Each fiber portion was tested in tension separately, reaching flexible (core) and stiffer (wrap and basalt) responses, whereas HAYs displayed combined performances due to a suitable auxeticity effect, that is, a negative Poisson's ratio. The pullout investigation justified the cracking and delamination of the composites, due to its cyclic lateral area modification, which created a load demand much higher than what the brittle geopolymer can sustain in this type of solicitation. Thermogravimetric analyses helped to predict the use of such configurations under thermal exposure, pointing out that the geopolymer material could be a suitable thermal barrier to prevent sudden degradation of the fabric under these conditions.