Microstructural characterization of GFRP reinforcing bars in severe environment

Hilal El-Hassan, Abdelrahman Al-Sallamin, Tamer El-Maaddawy

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are increasingly used as internal reinforcement in concrete structures because of their noncorrosive nature, lightweight, high strength, and ultraviolet resistance. The microstructure and composition changes of GFRP bars exposed to severe environmental conditions are investigated in this paper. Test specimens were placed in moist seawater-contaminated concrete for up to 15 months at temperatures of 20, 40, and 60°C. Microstructural analysis was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and matrix digestion using nitric acid. A decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg) and matrix content of GFRP bars was recorded after conditioning. Conditioned GFRP bars exhibited matrix plasticization and chemical degradation. Findings from FTIR showed an increase in hydroxyl ions with conditioning at higher temperatures. Results of SEM indicated a separation at the fiber-matrix interface and matrix deterioration in conditioned specimens.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Engineering and Sciences Division 2016 - Core Programming Area at the 2016 AIChE Annual Meeting
PublisherAIChE
Pages295-302
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781510834408
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventMaterials Engineering and Sciences Division 2016 - Core Programming Area at the 2016 AIChE Annual Meeting - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Nov 13 2016Nov 18 2016

Publication series

NameMaterials Engineering and Sciences Division 2016 - Core Programming Area at the 2016 AIChE Annual Meeting
Volume1

Other

OtherMaterials Engineering and Sciences Division 2016 - Core Programming Area at the 2016 AIChE Annual Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period11/13/1611/18/16

Keywords

  • Concrete
  • Microstructure, GFRP
  • Severe environment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Materials Science(all)

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