Performance evaluation of fibreglass reinforced polymer resins in hydrometallurgical process solutions

摘要

Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks and pipes exposed to corrosive environment in hydrometallurgical process plants are expected to degrade. The objective of this research is to develop a series of tests which are sensitive to the exposure and will be able to distinguish different materials used for this purpose. In this study both FRP material (pipes and plates) and resins were exposed to different acidic solutions at different temperatures, exposure durations. They were tested by the help of standard ASTM and developed test methods to study whether these tests are sensitive indicators of exposure and if these tests could be used for distinguishing between different materials in their susceptibility to exposure. Microstructure assessment included tests only on resins, a tensile test (ASTM D638), a bending test (ASTM D790), a microhardness test and a heat deflection temperature test (ASTM D648). Among these tests the bending test and the microhardness test showed sensitivity to change of exposure conditions (solution, temperature, duration) and material (polyester and vinyl ester). Commercially available FRP tubes were used as samples for the tests on FRPs. Tests on FRP tube section included a tensile test on laterally loaded tube sections, a compression test and a bending test. -- The bending test and the tensile test on laterally loaded tube sections were the more sensitive among the tests done on the FRP tubes. Microstructure analysis of resins and FRPs before and after exposure showed the effect of exposure on the surface of different resins and provided indication regarding the penetration of the acidic fluid into the material. The tests were carried out after four weeks of exposure which limits the tests results to predict failure due to hydrometallurgical applications of the FRP components. The tests which are more sensitive to the exposure should be carried out for a longer period of time to predict the lifetime of the fibre reinforced plastic pipes and tanks.