SBIR Phase I: A High Strength and Durable Composite NanoWrap for Repair and Rehabilitation of Piping and Other Civil Infrastructure Systems

这项小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将研究将碳纳米管（CNTs）纳入用于修复石油和天然气管道的纤维增强聚合物复合材料（FRPC）层压板的横截面。CNTs的加入将提高材料的蠕变疲劳强度和工作温度下的寿命。以往的研究表明，复合材料的疲劳破坏始于纤维？基体树脂界面由于树脂的物理性能的限制和它不能与纤维化学结合。在界面结合线区域加入功能化碳纳米管可提供化学强化以延缓失效的开始，从而提高抗拉强度和刚度，最重要的是提高疲劳寿命。第一阶段的研究将测试和优化碳纳米管掺入的方法，并将对所得材料进行机械、电气和热表征。预计最终材料还可以表现出增强的导热性和导电性，从而为管道应用带来二次效益。该项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力将是开发一种成本效益高、易于安装、用于管道维修的原位复合产品，其运行设计寿命超过50年。该项目的预期结果将导致一种新的变革性复合材料技术，用于管道修复和其他民用基础设施应用。基于纳米材料的高强度和耐用纤维增强聚合物复合材料（FRPC）包装在石油和天然气管道和其他民用基础设施系统的修复和修复中的应用具有四方面的意义。首先，新产品将带来由此产生的材料的直接销售收入，在美国创造制造业就业机会。其次，高效和经济的方法修复石油和天然气管道系统将为世界带来更广泛的利益。美国能源基础设施。第三，减少旧管道拆除和新管道建设的相关成本。最后，在这一新兴纳米技术的发展过程中，科学知识的扩展将推动这一关键技术领域的进一步研究和创新。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the cross-section of fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) laminates used for the repair of oil and gas pipelines. The effects of the addition of CNTs will be improved creep-fatigue strength and life at operational temperatures. Previous research indicates that fatigue failure within composite materials initiates at the fiber?matrix resin interface due to limitations in the physical properties of the resin and its inability to chemically bond with the fiber. Incorporating functionalized CNTs within the interfacial bondline region provides a chemical reinforcement to delay this initiation of failure, resulting in improved tensile strength and stiffness, and most significantly, an increase in fatigue life. The Phase I research will test and optimize a method for CNT incorporation, and will perform mechanical, electrical, and thermal characterization of the resultant material. It is also anticipated that the resulting material may also exhibit enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity, leading to secondary benefits for pipeline applications. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the development of a cost-effective, easy-to-install, in-situ composite product for pipeline repair, with an operational design life of over 50 years. The anticipated result of this project will lead to a new and transformative composite material technology for the use in pipeline repair and for other civil infrastructure applications. The significance of the development of high-strength and durable fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) wraps based on nanomaterials, for applications in repair and rehabilitation of oil and gas piping and other civil infrastructure systems is fourfold. First, the new product will result in direct sales revenues of the resulting material, creating manufacturing jobs in the US. Secondly, efficient and economical methods to repair oil and gas piping systems will have a significant broader benefit for the world?s energy infrastructure. Thirdly, costs related to demolition of old pipelines and new pipeline construction will be reduced. Finally, the expansion of scientific knowledge expected during the development of this emerging nanotechnology will drive further research and innovation in this key area of technology.