The effects of pseudoelastic metal
nanowires on the mechanical
performance, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of an
elastomeric matrix were investigated. Subnanometer pseudoelastic metal
nanowires were synthesized, and methodologies were developed for their
functionalization and uniform dispersion in elastomer matrices. Pseudoelastic
nanowires were found to significantly increase the stiffness, strength,
electrical conductivity, and thermomechanical stability of the elastomer
matrix while retaining its nonlinear strain recovery capability. These
qualities are realized using low nanowire dosages (∼1 wt %).
The combinations of qualities offered by this new class of nanocomposites
are of significant value to major commercial markets.
Steel corrosion is a significant problem of concrete‐based infrastructure, and it increases the repair costs of the damage to structures. Glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite bars are corrosion‐proof and exhibit relatively higher strength than ordinary steel reinforcement. However, GFRP bars degrade when exposed to the highly alkaline environment of concrete over extended periods. This study focuses on the effect of the high alkalinity of concrete on the tensile strengths of several types of GFRP bars. Different accelerated aging techniques were employed to evaluate the effects of GFRP characteristics (fiber volume fraction, matrix composition, bar diameter, and presence of protective coating) on the alkali resistance. The test results indicated that the alkali attack significantly decreased the tensile strength of GFRP, increasing with age. The alkali resistance of the GFRP bars increased up to a fiber volume fraction of 50% but decreased when the fiber volume fraction increased to 60% and above. The effects of protective coating on alkali resistance were generally positive but not consistent, and the effects of the matrix type and bar diameter on the alkali resistance of GFRP bars were insignificant. Accelerated aging did not change the bond strength but altered the failure mechanism associated with the bond failure of the specimens.
Corrosion is a primary factor compromising the safety and service life of steel structures. Corrosion protection coatings are generally employed for protection of the steel structures that are exposed to different aggressive environments. This research evaluated the use of biobased ion exchangers as a sustainable means of improving corrosion protection coatings.
Two base polymer coatings (vinyl and coal-tar epoxy) were considered. The following types and dosages of biobased ion exchangers were evaluated in these coatings: (i) strong-base ion exchange cellulose in OH, PO4, SiO3, BO3, NO2, SO4 and NO3 forms at 1% by weight of resin; (ii) weak-acid starch citrate ion exchanger in H form at 1 wt.%; and (iii) strong-base ion exchange cellulose in OH form at 2 wt.%. In addition, a strong-base ion exchange resin in OH form was considered at 1 and 2 wt.% as control. Different coating formulations were evaluated based on the outcomes of salt-fog corrosion, moisture resistance, pull-off strength, and abrasion resistance tests. The introduction of certain biobased ion exchangers in protective coatings was found to be an effective means of achieving improved levels of corrosion resistance, adhesion capacity, moisture stability and abrasion resistance.
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