Effects of Sulfuric Acid on Durability Characteristics of CFRP Composite Sheets
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 29, Issue 10
Abstract
This paper presents the chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite sheets subjected to sulfuric acid (). Test coupons are submerged in a 5% solution for up to 6 weeks, and their responses are measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and destructive mechanical loading. Also examined are the pH variation of the solution and the microscopic surface textures of the specimens with an increase in exposure time. The aliphatic amine and alkane functional groups of the CFRP are activated by sulfuric acid, including chain scission reactions that cause interfacial deterioration between the carbon fibers and resin. The acid exposure decreases the energy storage and dissipation capacities of the CFRP, as well as its glass transition temperature. The chemically induced damage in the fiber-resin interface is responsible for lowering the load-carrying capacity of the CFRP, along with strain softening. An analytical model is developed based on a Weibull distribution, which quantifies the degree of reliability and hazard associated with acid-damaged CFRP. An environmental reduction factor is calibrated and proposed to replace the standard factor for CFRP strengthening in chemical plants and wastewater treatment plants.
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Acknowledgments
The writers gratefully acknowledge financial support from the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) and technical advice from Catherine Rathbun in the Department of Chemistry at UCD. Proprietary information such as manufacturers and product names was not provided to avoid commercialism. Technical contents presented in this paper are based on the opinion of the writers and do not necessarily represent that of others.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 29 • Issue 10 • October 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 2, 2016
Accepted: Mar 15, 2017
Published online: Jun 15, 2017
Published in print: Oct 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Nov 15, 2017
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