Durability of GFRP composite made of epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite

H. G. Zhu, Christopher K.Y. Leung, J. K. Kim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

With a suitable amount of organoclay introduced into epoxy resin, intercalated/exfoliated epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite showing improved barrier property and thermal stability can be formed. GFRP composite with epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite matrix has been fabricated in this study. The main purpose of our work is to investigate the effect of epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite matrix on durability improvement of GFRP composites. GFRP composite laminates with neat epoxy matrix or 3wt% epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite matrix are conditioned in the following environments: (i) standard laboratory condition; (ii) heating for 1h at 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C; (iii) immersion in alkaline solution at 60°C. After pre-determined periods of conditioning, aged specimens are tested in uniaxial tension to obtain the tensile strength, tensile modulus and failure strain of GFRP composites. Results show that the tensile strength of aged GFRP composites is reduced to different degrees for different environmental exposure condition. However, the degradation rate is reduced when epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite is used as GFRP matrix. This can be attributed to the improved barrier property and thermal stability of the epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite. When GFRP composites are employed in the rehabilitation of concrete structures, the use of epoxy/organoclay nanocomposite matrix is likely to improve the durability of the rehabilitated structure as well.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationConcrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting II - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting, ICCRRR
Pages423-424
Number of pages2
StatePublished - 2009
Event2nd International Conference on Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting, ICCRRR 2008 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 24 Nov 200826 Nov 2008

Publication series

NameConcrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting II - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting, ICCRRR

Conference

Conference2nd International Conference on Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting, ICCRRR 2008
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period24/11/0826/11/08

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