| dc.description.abstract | In recent years, there has been a gradual surge in the demand for fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs). The implementation of FRPs can be observed across nearly every industry, ranging from advanced applications in aviation to the simplest components of a bicycle. Besides the non-corrosive and lightweight nature of FRPs, the recent driving forces behind this demand are the continuous reduction in composite costs, eco-friendliness and recyclability, and the ease of integration from a manufacturing perspective. Additionally, aside from the critical and desirable attribute of non-corrosivity, FRPs offer the advantage of high specific strength and stiffness, often surpassing that of commonly used engineering materials such as metals. However, like most materials, there are drawbacks.
Commonly used FRPs consist of materials like carbon, aromatic polyamide, and glass, which come in the form of fibers thinner than human hair. In structural applications, these fibers are commonly embedded in thermoset matrices such as epoxy or vinyl ester resins, and to a significantly lesser extent in thermoplastic resins. The fibers primarily bear the load, while load sharing among the fibers, and the structure and form of the FRP are maintained by the matrix. One of the significant drawbacks is that reusing or recycling thermosetting polymer is virtually impossible, thus contributing significantly to plastic waste in industries that employ FRPs. Another notable drawback is that thermoset FRPs, as mentioned earlier, are susceptible to damage under impact events, partially due to the brittle nature of the matrix materials. This can potentially compromise the structural integrity of vital components during impact events.
Elium©, the world’s first thermoplastic resin, with its relatively higher ductility and toughness, has the potential to enhance composites and address the aforementioned issues. Elium© is fully recyclable, potentially reducing plastic waste associated with thermosetting plastics.
Moreover, the increase in ductility offered by Elium© has the potential to enhance the impact resistance of composites, leading to longer service life and increased part durability. The limited research on Elium composites, especially on FRPs made of different fibers, especially eco-friendly fibers, has motivated this study. There is a clear need for a systematic experimental investigation to establish the basic mechanical properties of Elium-based FRPs made with different reinforcing fibers, particularly to establish their low and high-velocity performances. This thesis outlines the experimental methods used to characterize the basic mechanical properties and both the low-velocity impact (LVI) and high-velocity impact (HVI) responses of various composites fabricated using the novel Elium 150. The results from these experiments will be compared to those of composites containing a commonly used room-cured epoxy resin. Moreover, the viability of Elium-basalt composite as a fully recyclable and sustainable composite will also be systematically evaluated. This thesis also aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods involved in both low and HVI testing. Furthermore, it outlines the methods, materials, and equipment employed in carrying out this experimental investigation. | en_US |
