A dual inclusion strategy for textile polymers has been investigated to increase elastic energy storage capacity of fibers used in high velocity impact applications. Commercial fibers such as Spectra and Dyneema are made from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Dynamic elastic energy of these fibers is still low therefore limiting their wholesale application without a secondary metallic or ceramic component. The idea in this investigation is to develop methodologies so that the elastic energy of polyethylene based fibers can be increased by several folds. This would allow manufacturing of an all-fabric system for high impact applications. The dual inclusion consists of a polymer phase and a nanoscale inorganic phase to polyethylene. The polymer phase was nylon-6 and the inorganic phase was carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Nylon-6 was blended as a minor phase into UHMWPE and was chosen because of its large fracture strain - almost one order higher than that of UHMWPE. On the other hand, CNTs with their very high strength, modulus, and aspect ratio, contributed to sharing of load and sliding of polymer interfaces as they aligned during extrusion and strain hardening processes. A solution spinning process was developed to produce UHMWPE filaments reinforced with CNTs and nylon-6. The procedure involved dispersing of CNTs into paraffin oil through sonication followed by dissolving polymers into paraffin-CNT solution using a homogenizer. The admixture was fed into a single screw extruder for melt mixing and extrusion through an orifice. The extrudate was rinsed via a hexane bath, stabilized through a heater, and then drawn into a filament winder with controlled stretching. In the next step, the as produced filaments were strain-hardened through repeated loading unloading cycles under tension. / Neat and reinforced filaments were characterized through DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), Raman Spectroscopy, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), and mechanical tests. Phenomenal improvement in properties was found; modulus, strength, fracture strain, and elastic energy increased by 219%, 100%, 107% and 88%, respectively before strain hardening. Once strain hardened the strength, modulus and elastic energy increased by almost one order of magnitude. Source of these improvements were traced to increase in crystallinity and rate of crystallization, formation of microdroplets as a minor phase, sliding between minor and major phases, coating of nanotubes with polymer and alignment of nanotubes. / by Mujibur Rahman Khan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

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Neste trabalho, foram utilizadas fibras de curauá visando ação como reforço de matriz termoplástica de biopolietileno de alta densidade. O polietileno utilizado neste trabalho foi obtido pela polimerização de eteno, gerado a partir do etanol de cana de açúcar. Este polímero é também chamado de biopolietileno (BPEAD), por ser preparado a partir de material oriundo de fonte natural. Desta forma, pretendeu-se contribuir para com o desenvolvimento de materiais que, dentre outras propriedades, na sua produção, utilização e substituição, ocorra menor emissão de CO2 para a atmosfera, comparativamente a outros materiais. A superfície das fibras de curauá foi modificada via tratamento com ar ionizado, visando uma melhor impregnação da fibra pela matriz, o que possivelmente levaria a uma otimização da interface entre a matriz e a fibra. As propriedades dos compósitos reforçados com esta fibra (distribuição aleatória, comprimento de 1cm, diferentes proporções; materiais obtidos em misturador interno e por termoprensagem), foram comparadas com aquelas do reforçado com fibras não modificadas. Adicionalmente, polibutadieno líquido hidroxilado (PBHL) foi acrescentado à formulação do compósito, visando um aumento na resistência à propagação da trinca durante impacto. Os compósitos e as fibras foram caracterizados por várias técnicas, tais como, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Termogravimetria (TG), além, da caracterização dos compósitos quanto à Análise Térmica Dinâmico-Mecânica (DMTA), propriedades mecânicas (impacto e flexão) e absorção de água. A presença das fibras de curauá diminuiu algumas propriedades do BPEAD, como resistência ao impacto. A análise de DMTA mostrou que a presença de fibras leva a um material mais rígido. Pode-se considerar que a introdução de PBHL na formulação do material foi eficiente, levando a uma maior resistência ao impacto do compósito BPEAD/PBHL/fibra, quando comparado ao compósito BPEAD/fibra. A partir de 15% de PBHL adicionado ao compósito não houve mistura eficiente deste com os outros componentes, conforme evidenciado pelos resultados de resistência à flexão. As propriedades mecânicas dos materiais, no geral, não sofreram grande influência de as fibras terem sido tratadas com ar ionizado. Os resultados apontam no sentido que parâmetros de processo podem ser explorados, visando minimizar a degradação do polímero, além de trazerem outros inidicadores importantes, como que provavelmente uma borracha de maior massa molar média que a usada no presente trabalho possa apresentar uma ação mais significativa como modificadora de impacto; que fibras mais longas que aquelas consideradas, na mesma proporção em massa, podem ser testadas, já que fibras curtas implicam em grande número de pontas, as quais podem agir como concentradoras de tensão e prejudicar as propriedades mecânicas do compósito. / In this work, curaua fibers were used in the reinforcement of a high-density (HDPE) thermoplastic matrix. The polyethylene used in this study was obtained by polymerization of ethene produced from sugarcane ethanol. This polymer, also called high-density biopolyethylene (HDBPE), was prepared from a natural source material. The aim of the present study was to contribute to the development of materials that, among other properties, release less CO2 into the atmosphere as compared to other materials. The curaua fiber surface was modified by treatment with ionized air, seeking improved fiber impregnation by the matrix, which would possibly enhance the fiber/matrix interface adhesion. The properties of the composites reinforced with this fiber (randomly distributed, 1-cm long, different amounts, thermopressed materials) were compared with those reinforced with non-modified fibers. Additionally, liquid hydroxylated polybutadiene (LHPB) was added to the composite formulation, aiming at improving resistance to crack spreading during impact. The fibers and their composites were characterized by several techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetry (TG). The composites were also characterized by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), mechanical properties (flexural and impact strength), and water absorption. The presence of curaua fibers reduced some of the properties of the HDBPE, such as flexural and impact strength. DMTA showed that the presence of the fibers results in a more rigid material. The addition of LHPB to the formulation was efficient, leading to greater impact strength for the HDBPE/LHPB/fiber composite, as compared to the HDBPE/fiber composite. The addition of over 15% LHPB to the composite resulted in a poor mixture of the component, as evidenced by the flexural strength. The mechanical properties of the materials were not greatly influenced by their reinforcement with fibers treated with ionized air as a whole, showing that the process parameters can be further investigated to minimize the degradation of the materials. The use of a rubber with a higher average molar mass that the one currently used may have a greater effect on the impact strength. Longer fibers in equal mass proportions to those used in the present study can be tested, since shorter fibers mean a larger number of ends, which may act as stress concentrators and worsen some mechanical properties of the composite.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the durability, toughness, and strength of Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Concrete after being immersed in five separate environments for one year at FAU SeaTech. The specimens were molded and reinforced with two-inch Polypropylene/Polyethylene Fibers in a concrete aggregate matrix and were cut into identical sizes. Some of these environments had accelerated parameters meant to increase degradation to simulate longevity and imitate harsh environments or seawater conditions. The environments consisted of: a high humidity locker (ideal conditions), submerged in the Intracoastal Waterway (FAU barge), seawater immersion, a wet and dry seawater immersion simulating a splash/tidal zone, and another in low pH seawater. The latter three were in an elevated temperature room (87-95°F) which produced more degradative properties. The specimens were monitored and the environments were controlled. The specimens were then evaluated using the IDT test method using force to initiate first-cracking and post-cracking behaviors. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

An experimental investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of marine environmental exposure on the mechanical properties of vinylester resins (VE510A and VE8084) and carbon fiber/VE510A vinylester composites. The effect of carbon fiber sizing on the composite strengths was also examined. Neat resins were exposed to marine environments until moisture content reached a point of saturation after which they were tested in tension, compression and shear. Compared to the baseline dry specimens, specimens subjected to moisture showed overall increased ductility and a reduction in strength. Dry and moisture saturated composite specimens were tested in tension and compression in different orientations. Longitudinal specimens were tested in in-plane shear and interlaminar shear. Composites with F-sized carbon fibers displayed overall higher strength than those with G-sized fibers at both dry and moisture saturated conditions. An analysis of moisture absorption of the composites was performed which vii shows that the moisture up-take is dominated by the fiber/matrix region which absorbs up to 90% of the moisture. The composites experienced reduced strength after moisture absorption. The results revealed that the fiber sizing has stronger effect on the fiber/matrix interface dominated strengths than moisture up-take. / by Alexander M. Figlionini. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Durability of the composite materials in marine environments has been investigated experimentally and with analytical and numerical methods. The main focus of this study is on the integrity of the fiber/matrix interface under seawater exposure. A single-fiber compression test specimen called the Outwater-Murphy (OM) test has been analyzed using mechanics of materials principles and linear elastic fracture mechanics. Sizing of the OM specimen was conducted so that debonding of the fiber from the interface should be achieved prior to yielding of the matrix and global instability failure. Stress analysis of the OM specimen has been conducted from theory of elasticity and finite element analysis. A superelement technique was developed for detailed analysis of the stress state at the fiber/matrix interface. The interface stress state at the debond site in the OM specimen, i.e. at the hole edge, was identified as biaxial tension at the fiber/matrix interface. Characterization of cure and post-cure of 8084 and 510A vinlyester resins has been performed using cure shrinkage tests based on dynamic mechanical analysis and coated beam experiments. In addition, moisture absorption, swelling and the influence of moisture on the mechanical properties of the resins were determined. Testing of OM specimens consisting of a single carbon or glass fiber embedded in vinylester resin at dry conditions and after seawater exposure revealed that the debond toughness was substantially reduced after exposure of the OM specimen to seawater. C(F) did not debond. Macroscopic carbon/vinylester woven composites where the fibers were sized with F sizing were tested in shear at dry conditions and after four weeks of seawater exposure. The shear strength was very little affected after the short immersion time. / by Muhammad Umar Farooq. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

O objetivo dessa tese foi avaliar o efeito da adição de fibras e tipo de processamento (sinterização versus injeção) na microestrutura, propriedades mecânicas (resistência à flexão f e parâmetros de Weibull m, 0 e 5%), parâmetros de crescimento subcrítico (n e f0) e propriedades ópticas de razão de contraste (RC), parâmetro de translucidez (PT) e índice de opalescência (IO) de uma porcelana odontológica à base de leucita. Fibras de hexatitanato de potássio foram misturadas a uma porcelana à base de leucita que foi processada por sinterização e por injeção (com e sem fibras). Por meio de um estudo piloto realizado, variando-se temperaturas de sinterização e de injeção com 5% ou 10% de fibras, em massa, foram escolhidos o grupo controle (CS) sinterizado conforme recomendações do fabricante; o grupo sinterizado com fibras (SF), o grupo injetado sem fibras (ISF) e o grupo injetado com fibras (IF). A adição de fibras à porcelana processada por sinterização resultou em um material com fração volumétrica de poros mais do que duas vezes maior do que aquela encontrada para o grupo controle e a área média desses poros também foi mais do que o dobro da área média dos poros do controle. Outro problema apresentado pelo grupo sinterizado com fibras foi o aumento significativo da sua opacidade, representada pela razão de contraste que aumentou de 0,7 no controle para 1,0 no grupo sinterizado com fibras. Além disso, adição de fibras ao material processado por sinterização, apesar de ter causado aumento significativo da densidade e coeficiente de Poisson, não causou alterações significativas no módulo de elasticidade, dureza e tenacidade à fratura. Com relação à resistência à flexão biaxial, a adição de fibras na porcelana sinterizada causou aumento significativo da resistência média (f), porém os parâmetros da análise de Weibull (módulo de Weibull, m, resistência característica, 0, e resistência correspondente à probabilidade de falha de 5%, 5%) não foram alterados significativamente em relação ao grupo controle. Os parâmetros de crescimento subcrítico (coeficiente de susceptibilidade ao crescimento subcrítico, n, e resistência inicial, f0) também não foram alterados significativamente após a adição de fibras no material sinterizado. Embora o processamento por injeção sem adição de fibras não tenha afetado significativamente (em relação ao grupo controle) algumas propriedades como tenacidade à fratura, dureza, módulo de elasticidade, módulo de Weibull e 5%, houve um aumento significativo de parte das propriedades avaliadas como a resistência média, resistência característica e parâmetros de crescimento subcrítico. Com relação às propriedades ópticas, o processamento por injeção resultou em aumento da translucidez da porcelana, o que foi comprovado pela queda significativa no valor de razão de contraste e no aumento significativo no valor do parâmetro de translucidez em comparação com o grupo controle. Uma característica importante observada para o grupo injetado sem fibras foi seu baixo grau de porosidade em relação ao controle e também em relação aos outros dois grupos experimentais (SF e IF). Com relação ao grupo IF, o mesmo problema de alto grau de porosidade observado para o grupo sinterizado com fibras (SF) foi notado. Entretanto, os poros do grupo IF apresentaram área média significativamente menor e tamanho de poro aproximadamente 3 vezes menor do que os dos poros do grupo SF. Dentre as propriedades que não se alteraram comparando-se os grupos controle e injetado com fibras estão o módulo de elasticidade, coeficiente de Poisson, tenacidade à fratura, 5%, e as propriedades ópticas de razão de contraste e parâmetro de translucidez. Entretanto, é importante ressaltar que o grupo injetado com fibras obteve maiores valores médios em relação ao grupo controle para os seguintes parâmetros: densidade, dureza, resistência média, resistência característica, coeficiente de susceptibilidade ao crescimento subcrítico (foi o maior de todo o experimento) e resistência inicial (f0). / The objective was to evaluate the processing methods (conventional sintering and heat pressing) and fibers incorporation on the microstructure, mechanical properties (flexural strength f, and Weibull parameters m, 0 e 5%), slow crack growth parameters (n e f0) and contrast ratio (CR), translucency parameter (TP), opalescence parameter (OP) optical properties. Potassium Titanate fibers were mixed with a feldspathic porcelain, and then processed with conventional sintering and heat pressing (with or without fibers). A pilot study was carried out varying the sintering and heat pressing temperature with 5 or 10 wt% of fibers. The selected groups were the control group (CG), conventionally sintered processes following manufactures recommendations; conventionally sintered with fibers (SF); heat pressed without fibers (HP) and heat pressed with fibers (HPF). The hypothesis were: 1) The incorporation of fibers to the conventionally processed porcelain would improve the mechanical properties and slow crack growth parameters and would not affect the optical properties; 2) heat pressing the porcelain without fibers would improve the mechanical properties and slow crack growth parameters and would not affect the optical properties. 3) heat pressing the porcelain with fibers would improve the mechanical properties and slow crack growth parameters and would not affect the optical properties. Specimens were tested for biaxial flexural strength in water. Weibull analysis was used to determine m, 0 and 5% and the dynamic fatigue test was used to determine n e f0 values. The SF group showed percentage of porosity two times higher than the CG, higher values of f, but had no improvement on the Weibull parameters m, 0 and 5% values and slow crack growth parameters n and f0. It presented significant optical changes reaching 100% of opacity. The first hypothesis was partially accepted because there was increase only in f. The HP group presented 10 times lower porosity than CG. It showed higher values of f, and 0 but had no improvement on m and 5%. The HP group also showed higher values of n and f0 and significantly higher TP, and lower CR and OP. The second hypothesis was partially accepted as well because there were mechanical properties increases and changes in optical properties. The HPF group showed porosity two times higher than the CG, higher values of f, and showed an improvement on the Weibull parameters 0 and 5% and slow crack growth parameters n and f0. It presented significant changes OP.

Lee Chun Ming. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leave 45). / List of Figures --- p.iii / List of Tables --- p.iv / Acknowledgement --- p.v / Abstract --- p.vi / Chapter I --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter II --- Architecture of The Proposed Lightwave Backbone Network --- p.4 / Chapter III --- Wavelength Conflicts Problem --- p.8 / Chapter IV --- Network Dimensioning Problem --- p.10 / Chapter A. --- Integer Programming Formulation --- p.10 / Chapter V --- Capacity Apportionment (CA) Problem --- p.17 / Chapter A. --- Integer Programming Formulation --- p.17 / Chapter B. --- Heuristic Algorithm --- p.19 / Chapter C. --- An Illustrative Example For The Hueristic Algorithm --- p.21 / Chapter VI --- Wavelength Channel Assignment Problem --- p.24 / Chapter A. --- Wavelength Channel Assignment Strategies --- p.24 / Chapter B. --- Dynamic Wavelength Channel Assignment Algorithms --- p.25 / Chapter C. --- Performance Results By simulation --- p.33 / Chapter D. --- Comparison Of Blocking Performance Between Static And Dynamic Wavelength Channel Assignment Scheme --- p.40 / Chapter VII --- Conclusion --- p.42 / References --- p.45 / Appendix A Wavelength channel assignment plan generated by the heuristic algorithm for the illustrative example in section V --- p.46

Kwok Chi Hang. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- All-Optical Signal Processing in Optical Communications --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Fiber-Based Optical Kerr Nonlinear Switches --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Highly Nonlinear Fibers --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives and Scope of Study --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5 --- Summary --- p.9 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Optical Nonlinearity --- p.14 / Chapter 2.1 --- Fiber Nonlinearity --- p.15 / Chapter 2.2 --- Dispersion --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3 --- Cross-Phase Modulation --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- Cross-Polarization Modulation --- p.29 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Fibers: The Nonlinear Media --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1 --- Average Dispersion --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2 --- Longitudinal Dispersion Map --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3 --- Nonlinear Refractive Index and Nonlinear Coefficient --- p.57 / Chapter 3.4 --- Electrostrictive Contribution --- p.62 / Chapter 3.5 --- List of the Fiber Properties --- p.66 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Multi-Wavelength Nonlinear Signal Processing --- p.69 / Chapter 4.1 --- Challenge --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2 --- Applications --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3 --- Proposed System Application --- p.110 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Conclusion and Future Work --- p.114 / Chapter 5.1 --- Comparisons between Proposed and Existing Approaches --- p.114 / Chapter 5.2 --- Conclusion of the Dissertation --- p.115 / Chapter 5.3 --- Prospects and Directions of Future Work --- p.117 / Appdenix A Numerical Model for Dispersion Calculation --- p.I / Appdenix B Simulation Model of Wide Band Cross-Polarization Switch --- p.III / Appdenix C Simulation Model of Spectral Filtering under XPM --- p.VI / List of Publications --- p.IX

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in the world. It is also one of the most versatile while complex materials which human have used for construction. However, an important weakness of concrete (cement-based composites) is its weak tensile properties. Therefore, over the past thirty years many studies were focused to improve its tensile properties using a variety of physical and chemical methods. One of the most successful attempts is to use polymer fibers in the structure of concrete to obtain a composite with high tensile strength and ductility.However, a thorough understanding of the mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced concrete requires the knowledge of fiber/matrix interfaces at the nanoscale. In this study, a combination of atomistic simulations and experimental techniques has been used to study the nanostructure of fiber/matrix interfaces. A new model for calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H)/fiber interfaces is also proposed based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Finally, the adhesion energies between the C-S-H gel and three different polymeric fibers (polyvinyl alcohol, nylon-6 and polypropylene) were numerically studied at the atomistic level, since adhesion plays a key role in the design of ductile fiber reinforced composites. The mechanisms of adhesion as a function of the nanostructure of fiber/matrix interfaces are further studied and discussed. It is observed that the functional group in the structure of polymer macromolecule affects the adhesion energy primarily by changing the C/S ratio of the C-S-H at the interface and further by absorbing additional positive ions in the C-S-H structure. Then the mechanical response of cement paste with added polymeric fibers were studied. A correlation between adhesion energies and the load-displacement curve in split-cylinder test was found. Moreover, as there is a great interest in cellulose-based cement composites, bamboo fibers is added to the cement paste and the fiber/matrix interface and its effect on structure of C-S-H were investigated.