Short- and Long-term Mechanical Characteristics of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer made of Furfuryl Alcohol Bio-resin

摘要

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are used in structural rehabilitation and new construction efforts. However, these FRPs are made from polymers/resins such as epoxies that are not biodegradable. This paper focuses on the replacement of conventional resins with bioresins, which are more sustainable. As well, durability testing was also completed on the bioresin and epoxy GFRPs. These specimens were subjected to three different environments. The tensile mechanical characteristics of glass-FRP (GFRP) using two types of organic furfuryl alcohol resins are investigated. Results are compared to GFRPs fabricated with conventional epoxy resin. A range of parameters were investigated, including effects of catalyst type and dosage as well as the curing time on the tensile strength and modulus of the GFRP. The results show that with a certain combination of bioresin and catalyst proportion similar mechanical properties to epoxy GFRP can be achieved. The ideal catalyst dosage was proven to be 3% by weight. Thirteen days after fabrication, full-strength of the bioresin GFRP was reached. After six months of being exposed to the 55°C salt water environment, 56% and 37% reduction in strength was found in the bioresin- and epoxy-GFRP, respectively.