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Monitoring Moisture Damage Propagation in GFRP Composites Using Carbon Nanoparticles
Ahmed Al-Sabagh1, Eman Taha2, Usama Kandil3
1Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Cairo 11727, Egypt. alsabaghh@gmail.com.
Polymers
|April 12, 2019
Summary
Adding carbon nanoparticles to glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites reduces water absorption and enables self-sensing of moisture damage. This method helps monitor GFRP in marine environments, though seawater conductivity poses limitations.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Composites
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites offer durability and strength for infrastructure, particularly in water structures.
- Water absorption and subsequent degradation are critical concerns for GFRP performance in marine environments.
- Developing methods to mitigate water absorption and monitor damage is essential for extending GFRP service life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of incorporating carbon nanoparticles into GFRP composites.
- To assess the impact of carbon nanoparticles on water absorption and mechanical properties of GFRP.
- To evaluate the use of carbon nanoparticles for self-sensing and monitoring of moisture damage in GFRP.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of GFRP coupons with 2.0 wt% carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and 2.0 wt% multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
- Water absorption tests conducted in a seawater bath at two temperatures for three months.
- Evaluation of mechanical properties, glass transition temperature, and electrical conductivity changes.
- Microstructural analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Carbon nanoparticles reduced water absorption in GFRP composites.
- Moisture damage monitoring was achieved by measuring electrical conductivity, demonstrating a self-sensing capability.
- Seawater immersion time and temperature significantly influenced the extent of moisture damage.
- High seawater conductivity limited the effective monitoring range of moisture damage propagation.
Conclusions:
- Carbon nanoparticles can enhance GFRP resistance to water absorption and provide a self-sensing mechanism for moisture damage.
- The developed technique shows promise for monitoring GFRP in marine applications, with limitations at higher damage levels.
- FTIR analysis confirmed the correlation between environmental conditions, immersion time, and microstructural changes due to moisture.
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