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<p>This investigation delineates the optimal synthesis and characterization of innovative epoxy-carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite filaments via electrospinning. Electrospinning thermosetting materials such as epoxy resins presents significant challenges due to the polycationic behavior arising from intermolecular noncovalent interactions between epoxide and hydroxyl groups, resulting in a substantial increase in solution surface tension. In this study, electrospinning submicron epoxy filaments was achieved through partial curing of epoxy via a thermal treatment process in an organic polar solvent, circumventing the necessity for plasticizers or thermoplastic binders. The filament diameter can be modulated to as low as 100 nm by adjusting electrospinning parameters.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Integrating a minimal amount of CNT into the epoxy matrix yielded enhanced structural, electrical, and thermal stability. The CNTs were aligned within the epoxy filaments due to the electrostatic field present during electrospinning. The modulus of the epoxy and epoxy-CNT filaments were determined to be 3.24 and 4.84 GPa, respectively, resulting in a 49% improvement. Epoxy-CNT nanofibers were directly deposited onto carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) prepreg layers, yielding augmented adhesion, interfacial bonding, and significant mechanical property enhancements. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and fatigue resistance demonstrated a 29% and 27% increase, respectively, under intense stress conditions. Up to 45% of the Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) energy absorption was increased. In addition, the strategic incorporation of CNT (multi-walled) networks between the layers of CFRP resulted in a significant increase in thermal and electrical conductivities.</p> <p>This study also introduces a scalable fabrication procedure to address large volume processing, reproducibility, accuracy, and electrospinning safety. Electric fields of the experimental multi-nozzle setups were simulated to elucidate the induced surface charges responsible for the Taylor cone formation of the epoxy-CNT solution droplet on the nozzle tips. Electrospinning parameters were subsequently optimized for the multi-nozzle system and analyzed alongside simulated data to improve stability and synthesize fibers with smaller diameters.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Smaller diameter epoxy-CNT nanofibers proved critical as CNTs maintained alignment within the nanofibers when compared to larger diameter nanofibers. This research examines the impact of effective parameters on the diameter of electrospun epoxy-CNT nanofibers using artificial neural networks (ANNs). Consequently, employing a genetic algorithm (GA) and Bayesian optimization (BO) methods enable accurate prediction of epoxy-CNT nanofiber diameters prior to electrospinning. The presented models could aid researchers in fabricating electrospun thermosetting and thermoplastic scaffolds with specified fiber diameters, thereby tailoring these scaffolds for specific applications.</p>

Roller conveyors are critical components in various industries for material handling, enabling the efficient transportation of items in assembly lines, warehouses, and distribution centers. Traditionally constructed from materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastic, roller conveyors are now being innovatively designed using composite materials. This study investigates the design, analysis, and optimization of roller conveyors utilizing composite materials to achieve weight reduction while maintaining or enhancing structural integrity and operational efficiency. Composite materials offer enhanced properties compared to their individual components. Typical composites include fibers like carbon, glass, or aramid within a matrix of epoxy resin, providing superior strength, corrosion resistance, and customization capabilities. The research employs finite element analysis (FEA) and other advanced modeling techniques to evaluate the performance of composite roller conveyors under various loading conditions. The findings suggest that using composite materials can significantly reduce the weight of roller conveyors, leading to decreased energy consumption, lower operational costs, and improved handling efficiency. The optimized design enhances productivity and contributes to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact. This thesis advances the understanding of composite-based roller conveyors, demonstrating their potential to replace conventional materials and achieve higher efficiency in industrial applications.

Dans le domaine du renforcement et/ou de la réparation des structures en béton armé par des matériaux composites à l'aide de la méthode du collage extérieur au moyen d'un adhésif époxy, une des préoccupations de la communauté scientifique est l'intégrité structurelle de ce système dans le cas d'incendie dans lequel la haute température est une caractéristique essentielle et peut atteindre jusqu'à 1200°C. Ce travail de recherche est axé sur le comportement thermomécanique à très haute température des matériaux composites [un composite à base de polymère carbone/ époxy (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer- CFRP), un composite textile/ mortier cimentaire (Textile Reinforced Concrete- TRC) et un adhésif à base d'époxy]. L'évolution des propriétés mécaniques et d'autres aspects mécaniques de ces matériaux composites avec la température a été caractérisée. Une nouvelle procédure expérimentale concernant la mesure de la déformation de l'éprouvette à l'aide du capteur laser est développée et validée. Une étude numérique et expérimentale a été réalisée dans le but de déterminer principalement la température à la rupture des joints « composite/ adhésif/ composite » sous les sollicitations mécaniques et thermiques. L'efficacité de la protection thermique de deux isolants [PROMASPRAY®T (produit commercial de la société PROMAT] et Isolant A (produit développé par le LGCIE site Tusset) a aussi été étudiée dans cette thèse. Enfin, une approche numérique, à l'aide du logiciel ANSYS, est utilisée afin de déterminer, de façon préliminaire et approximative, à l'échelle matériau, les propriétés thermiques des matériaux (composite textile/ mortier cimentaire -TRC et Isolant A) / In the area of the strengthening and/or the reparation of reinforced concrete structures with composites by means of the external bonding method using an epoxy adhesive, one of the preoccupation of the scientific community is the structural integrity of this system in the event of fire in which the high temperature is the essential feature et can reach up to 1200°C. This research focuses on the thermo-mechanical behavior of composite materials [carbon/epoxy adhesive composite (or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), textile/cementitious mortar composite (or textile reinforced concrete (TRC)] and an epoxy-based adhesive. The evolution of mechanical properties and other mechanical aspects of these materials with the temperature has been characterized. A new experimental procedure concerning the measurement of sample strain by the laser sensor is developed and validated. An experimental and numerical study has been realized in order to mainly determine the temperature at the failure of "composite/adhesive/composite" joints under thermal and mechanical loadings. The effectiveness of the thermal protection of two insulators [PROMASPRAY®T (a commercial product of the PROMAT company and the insulator A (product developed by the LGCIE site Tuset)] has also been investigated in this PhD thesis. Finally, a numerical approach, using ANSYS software, is used to determine, in the preliminary and approximate way, at material scale, thermal properties of the materials [the textile reinforced concrete (TRC) and the insulator A]

A study was undertaken to determine if light-weighting orbital launch vehicles (rockets) improves lifetime environmental impacts of the vehicle. Light-weighting is performed by a material substitution where metal structures in the rocket are replaced with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP’s). It is uncertain whether light-weighting the rocket in the same way as traditional vehicles are light-weighted would provide similar environmental benefits. Furthermore, the rocket system is significantly different from traditional vehicles and undergoes an atypical lifecycle, making analysis non-trivial. Seventy rocket configurations were sized using a Parametric Rocket Sizing Model (PRSM) which was developed for this research. Four different propellant options, three staging options, and eighteen different lift capacities were considered. Each of these seventy rockets did not include CFRP’s, thus establishing a baseline. The seventy rockets were then light-weighted with CFRP’s, making a total of seventy pairs of rockets. An environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed on each of the rockets to determine lifetime environmental impacts. During the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), a Carbon Fiber Production Model was developed to determine the environmental burdens of carbon fiber production and to address issues identified with carbon fiber’s embodied burdens. The results of the LCA were compared across all rockets to determine what effects light-weighting had on environmental impact. The final conclusion is that light-weighting reduces lifetime environmental impacts of Liquid Oxygen-Rocket Propellant 1 and Nitrogen Tetroxide-Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine rockets, while it likely benefits Liquid Oxygen-Liquid Hydrogen rockets. Light-weighting increases lifetime environmental impacts of Solid Propellant rockets.

The content of the diploma thesis is evaluation of the usability of carbon composites in the space industry. The aim of this work is to assess whether carbon composites can find application in mechanical systems of passive thermal protection of artificial objects. Model examples demonstrate the principle of operation of selected passive thermal protection. The evaluation is realized based on the results of thermal analysis. Analytical formulas from field theory of heat transfer are used as a calculation method. The diploma thesis consists from two parts. The theoretical part briefly describes the mechanisms of heat transfer, selected types of passive thermal protection and properties and applications of carbon composites. The practical part consists of the assignment, calculation and evaluation of three examples. The results show that carbon composites can compete with commonly used materials for specific requirements.

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[pt] O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a utilização de barras constituídas por material compósito para atuarem como reforço de vigas de concreto submetidas à flexão. As barras analisadas são constituídas por polímero reforçado com fibras de carbono (PRFC), material este que apresenta comportamento linear elástico até a ruptura. Este material possui algumas vantagens em relação ao aço, como por exemplo, resistência à tração consideravelmente superior além de não ser suscetível ao fenômeno da corrosão ocasionada por intempéries ambientais. Durante o desenvolvimento do trabalho foi obtido um artigo o qual demonstra resultados de ensaios de laboratório nos quais os autores utilizaram vigas de concreto submetidas a ensaio de flexão por quatro pontos e reforçadas com barras de PRFC. Neste trabalho, o mesmo ensaio foi simulado no software Atena, programa este que realiza análise não linear para estruturas de concreto, considerando a fissuração deste material. Os resultados obtidos pelo software apresentaram consistência com os resultados registrados em laboratório pelos autores. Foi ainda analisada uma viga contínua de concreto submetida a um carregamento uniformemente distribuído. Essa viga foi reforçada com barras de mesmo diâmetro alterando-se apenas o material dessas barras (aço e PRFC). Dessa maneira, foi analisado o valor de carregamento que ocasiona a ruptura da viga. Foram constatadas duas importantes desvantagens das barras de PRFC em relação ao aço. A primeira desvantagem está no custo superior ao aço e por apresentar comportamento elástico até o rompimento, o PRFC não confere à estrutura de concreto uma ruptura dúctil. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram cumpridos e ao final são propostos novos estudos a serem realizados sobre o tema. / [en] The aim of the present work is to analyze the use of bars made of composite material to act as reinforcement for concrete beams subjected to bending. The analyzed bars are constituted by polymer reinforced with carbon fibers (PRFC), a material that presents linear elastic behavior until rupture. This material has some advantages in relation to steel, such as considerably higher tensile strength in addition to not being susceptible to the phenomenon of corrosion caused by environmental conditions. During the development of the work, an article was obtained which demonstrates results of laboratory tests in which the authors used concrete beams subjected to flexion testing by four points and reinforced with PRFC bars. In this work, the same test was simulated in the Atena software, a program that performs non-linear analysis for concrete structures, considering the cracking of this material. The results obtained by the software were consistent with the results recorded in the laboratory by the authors. It was also analyzed a continuous concrete beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load. This beam was reinforced with bars of the same diameter, changing only the material of these bars (steel and PRFC. In this way, the loading value that causes the beam to break when it is reinforced with steel bars and when it is reinforced with PRFC bars of the same diameter was analyzed. Two important disadvantages of PRFC bars in relation to steel have been noted. Due to its elastic behavior until breaking, this composite material does not give the concrete structure a ductile rupture. In addition, its cost is considerably higher than steel bars, since no suppliers of this type of reinforcement have been identified in Brazil, thus increasing the cost to purchase this product. The objectives of this work were accomplished and, in the end, new studies are proposed to be carried out on the theme.

Reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures have become an important aspect in most of the buildings in our society around the world. Most of the multistoried reinforced concrete buildings house important institutions such as hospitals, schools, government establishments, defense establishments, business centers, sports stadiums, super markets and nuclear power plants. The cost of construction of such multistoried RCC structures is very high, and these structures need to be maintained and restored based on their functionality and importance using repair and retrofit strategies when these structures undergo damage. The steps involved in restoring RCC structures that have damages using repair / retrofit measures consists of identifying the source or cause of damage, assessment of the degree or extent of damage that has taken place using nondestructive techniques. Based on the assessment of degree of damage suitable repair / retrofit strategy using the appropriate repair material is applied to achieve the required load carrying capacity or strength. The present work involves assessing the efficacy of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) based system applied on pre-damaged structural members to restore the member’s strength and stiffness through experimental investigations and finite element predictions. To validate the macrolevel properties of predamaged concrete micromechanical analysis, microscale studies and analytical investigations have been conducted. Plain and reinforced concrete test specimens: cylinders, square prisms and rectangular prisms having 25MPa and 35MPa cylinder compressive strengths pre-damaged due to mechanical (monotonic and cyclic loading) and thermal loading (exposure to different temperature and time durations) with applications of CFRP repair subjected to compression is investigated to study the behavior and enhancement in the compressive strength and stiffness after application of repair. Non destructive testing of thermally damaged concrete (exposed to different temperature and exposure time) is conducted using ultrasonic pulse velocity and tomography methods to understand the degradation in the strength and stiffness of thermally damaged concrete. The results of the non destructive testing helps in assessing the amount of repair that can be applied. To validate the macro scale behavior of thermally damaged concrete micro scale studies was performed adopting micro indentation, petrography, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron miscroscopy (SEM) and Electron probe micro analysis (EPMA). During the event of a fire in RC structures which have been retrofitted. The high temperature caused due to fire tends to make the concrete to deteriorate and the repair material to delaminate. Loss of strength/ stiffness in concrete and delamination of the repair material in a retrofitted structural component in a structure causes instability which results in partial collapse or complete collapse of the structure. Thermal insulation of concrete and the repair material (CFRP) using geo-polymer mortar and simwool thermal fibre blanket exposed to high temperature and different exposure time are experimentally investigated. This is to evaluate the effectiveness of the thermal insulation in protecting epoxy based structural repair material(CFRP) from thermal damage and to minimize the delamination of the repair material when exposed to high temperatures. Slender columns when loaded eccentrically fail at a load much lesser than their actual load carrying capacity. In RC buildings where additional floors need to be added, in those situations slender columns which are already eccentrically loaded tend to get damaged or fail due to additional load which act on them. Therefore to restore such columns experimental and finite element investigations on reinforced concrete slender columns having 25MPa cylinder compressive strength subjected to eccentric monotonic compressive loading with applications of CFRP repair is studied to understand the behavior and the enhancement in load carrying capacity after application of repair. Experimental investigations are conducted to study fracture and fatigue properties of thermally damaged concrete geometrically similar notched plain and reinforced concrete beams having 25MPa cylinder compressive strength exposed to different combinations of temperature and durations with application of repair (CFRP). Nonlinear fracture parameters of thermally damaged concrete is computed which help in understanding the fracture behavior of thermally damaged concrete and application of repair. Effectiveness of CFRP repair and failure behaviour of these beams are studied when these thermally damaged notch concrete beams are subjected to monotonic and cyclic (fatigue) loading. Reinforced concrete slender beams when subjected to unexpected loads such as earthquakes get damaged. The increase in load carrying capacity and fatigue life of reinforced concrete slender beams having 25MPa cylinder compressive strength in flexure subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading with applications of CFRP repair is investigated using experimental and finite element investigations. Finite element analysis of concrete specimens pre-damaged due to mechanical (monotonic and cyclic loading) / thermal loading (exposure to different temperature and time durations) with applications of CFRP repair and assessment of amount of repair required is investigated. Analytical (empirical) models are developed to assess the mechanical properties of concrete (elastic moduli, compressive strength and split tensile strength) exposed to different temperatures and time durations. Nonlinear fracture parameters of geometrically similar plain concrete notch beams exposed to different temperature and time durations are determined. Fracture parameters (stress intensity factor) of thermally damaged plain and reinforced concrete notched beams with application of CFRP have been determined. Effect of size and shape of thermally damaged plain concrete compression members with application of CFRP wrap have been studied. Crack mouth opening displacements (CMOD), strains and crack lengths of thermally damaged plain concrete (PC) notched beams using digital image correlation has also been determined.

Les enquêtes récentes sur les séismes ont fait ressortir l'importance des murs en béton armé en tant que partie intégrante des structures. L’évolution des règlements prend en compte ces considérations, par contre le bâti existant doit subir des renforcements dans l’objectif de leur mise en conformité. Dans cette thèse une étude expérimentale faite sur douze murs (six élancés et six courts) renforcés par un collage externe en composite a été conduite. Les murs ont été conçus en étant sous-renforcés à la flexion et cisaillement. Quatre de ces six échantillons ont été renforcés par des bandes de PRFC collées. Deux spécimens, un témoin et un renforcé, ont été soumis à un test de chargement statique et quatre échantillons, l'un témoin et trois rénovés, ont été soumis à des essais de charge cyclique. La discussion et l’analyse des tests incluent la description de la fissuration, l’analyse de la rigidité, de la capacité de charge ultime, de la ductilité. / Recent earthquake surveys have revealed the significance of RC walls as an integral part of structures. It reduces the structure damage to some extent. However, like other structural member they too are vulnerable. Researchers on basis of their post eartthquake survey and laboratary experiments have concluded that the RC wall buildings sustained damage, mainly due to design and construction work flaws. In this thesis experimental result of shear walls is discussed. They were designed under-reinforced to fail in shear in ase of short wall and in flexure for slender walls. Three out of these six specimens, in each case, were strengthened externally with CFRP strips bonded to wall panel and mesh anchors installed at wall foundation joint. Two specimens, one RC and one CFRP retrofitted (short and slender wall each), were subjected to static load test and three specimens, one RC and two to three CFRP retrofitted, were subjected to quasi static cyclic load tests. The test result analysis discussion includes failure mode, stiffness, ultimate load capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation.