Advances in Microstructure, Durability Performance, and Self-Sensing Capabilities of Novel Functional FRP Nanocomposite Reinforcing Bars

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The main goal of this Discovery Grant (DG) is to explore the development of novel functional FRP reinforcement for concrete structures using innovative nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. Nanoparticles (NPs) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are claimed to have a potential for enhancing these targeted performance properties of a FRP composite manifold. CNTs have excellent interactions with FRP matrices due to their high surface area compared to micromaterials, leading to improved strength, stiffness, thermal resistance, and barrier properties when present in very small quantities. Furthermore, specific types of carbon nanofillers can also give the host FRP material self-sensing capabilities. By introducing nanoparticle technology in manufacturing FRP rebars, this research is transformative because it will lead to a technical breakthrough in the development of advanced FRP structural materials with sensing capacities and enhanced properties in terms of microstructure, durability, and mechanical resistance. This proposal is motivated mainly by the industrial and technological needs to develop a new class of multifunctional FRP rebars. This research will advance knowledge about material development, smart materials, and functionality integration. Moreover, it has the ambition to move beyond the isolated research attempts that have already been made in this field and provide a topical breakthrough with respect to traditional approaches and rules that limit the search of innovative solution techniques, by promoting the complete engineering design from the nanoscale functional design up to the structure performance evaluation. It also aims to establish a closed loop of theoretical and experimental investigations, cross-comparing results and achievements with the aim of obtaining an optimal material design and comprehensive procedure for validating and assessing the developed solutions for full-scale experimental testing. This DG will provide an opportunity to (1) develop a novel nanoparticle-reinforced FRP rebar with improved mechanical, thermal and barrier properties; (2) adapt/improve existing industrial production to allow the incorporation of the CNTs into the polymer matrix for producing FRP bars with superior properties; (3) implement nanotechnologies by adding CNTs and graphene to achieve self-sensing capabilities; (4) develop a hierarchical multi-scale computational framework that relies equally on coupled micro- and macroscale modelling to increase our understanding of the interface behaviour and durability; and (5) demonstrate the benefits of the developed technology for applications in the construction sector. The outcomes of this research proposal will constitute an original contribution to the state-of-the-art and will have a genuine industrial impact for Canadian manufacturers. This DG will involve the training of 9 doctoral, 2 master's students, and 3 postdoctoral and will be conducted in accordance with NSERC's Statements on EDI.