Durability and thermomechanical performance evaluation of lightweight reinforced thermoplastic composites

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This project is motivated by significant demand for eco-friendly and recyclable composite structures for transportation systems in the automotive and aerospace industry, lightweight composite panels in the building industry, and spoolable composite piping for oil, gas and water applications. The objective of this partnership are to determine an application envelope for lightweight fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structures based on their durability and thermomechanical performance under different environmental aging and long-term loading conditions. Lightweight continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites have received significant attention over the last decade due to their specific properties, such as excellent corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, practically unlimited shelf-life of raw materials, recyclability and low cost. Significant reduction in manufacturing costs by using a rapid and continuous fabrication process, and the ability of thermoplastic matrix composites to be recycled with relative ease are two main advantages of using thermoplastic matrix materials in this project over their thermosetting counterparts. The project is in collaboration with an industrial partner: Composite Production Systems at Shawcor. The project outcomes will be (i) an application envelope for the thermomechanical performance of commercial thermoplastic-based reinforced composite structures providing details about the limitations and long-term performance of such structures; (ii) augmentation of recyclable composites in the portfolio of the industrial partner aiding in business growth and job creation in Canada; (iii) an exceptional training program driven by scientific discovery through research on material behavior under adverse environmental conditions that can transcend sectors; and (iv) effective technology and knowledge transfer through short-term placements and workshops with the partner. The project will have an impact on (a) protecting the environment by advancing the use of recyclable materials; (b) augmenting the understanding of failure mechanisms in structural materials driven by advancements in multi-scale testing; (c) innovation in design and manufacturing of made-in-Canada products for oil/gas, water, and other industries that employ identical or similar materials (e.g., automotive) leading to job creation and economic growth. Each of the outcomes and impacts are important for Canada.