Reliability assessment of the pultruded fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer matrix composites in preparation for pilot-scale production

作为一条成功的研究/创新之路，Engage Plus项目的后续项目将重点关注新型热塑性聚合物基GFRP复合材料在加速环境条件下的可靠性性能测试。目标是：a)优化NCM实验室（纳米复合材料和力学实验室）开发的PMMA（聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯）聚合物集成GFRP复合材料制造的拉挤工艺参数；b)实验模拟在极端温度（+60℃至-60℃）、高碱性腐蚀和阻燃条件下的抗折强度、环境疲劳，并将复合产品技术转让给合作公司Thermopak Ltd.。**为了实现这些目标：1)将开发出合成PMMA热塑性聚合物基体的最佳配方；2)在Gobinda Saha博士的UNB NCM研究实验室中，将对基体进行挤压工艺制造复合钢筋的测试**；3)与传统热固性基基复合材料相比，将对新型定制设计的热塑性GFRP复合材料的综合力学（弯曲）、环境疲劳、腐蚀和阻燃性能进行评估。该项目活动的成功成果进一步包括将拉挤工艺技术转让给Thermopak有限公司，用于其内部复合材料产品的开发，并立即应用于建筑，航空航天和国防工业。这项工作有潜力与合作伙伴公司Thermopak Ltd.进行为期3年的合作研究与开发项目。

Embarking on a successful research/innovation path, this follow up Engage Plus project focuses on the**reliability performance testing of the novel thermoplastic polymer matrix based GFRP composites in**accelerated environmental conditions. The objectives are: a) to optimize the pultrusion process parameters for**the NCM Lab (Nanocomposites and Mechanics Laboratory)-developed PMMA (PolyMethyl Methacrylate)**polymer-integrated GFRP composites manufacturing; and b) to experimentally simulate the flexural strength,**environmental fatigue under extreme temperatures (+60oC to -60oC), high-alkaline corrosion, and**fire-retardation conditions in anticipation of the pultrusion process and composite product technology transfer**to the partnering company, Thermopak Ltd.**To achieve these targets: 1) an optimum recipe for the synthesis of PMMA thermoplastic polymer matrix will**be developed; 2) the matrix will be tested for manufacturing of the composite rebars in the prultrusion process**available in Dr. Gobinda Saha's UNB NCM research lab; and 3) comprehensive mechanical (flexural),**environmental fatigue and corrosion, and fire-retardant properties of the novel custom-designed thermoplastic**GFRP composites will be evaluated against those of the conventional thermosetting matrix based composites.**The successful outcome of this project activities further encompasses the transfer of pultrusion process**technology to Thermopak Ltd. for their in-house composite products development, with immediate applications**in construction, and aerospace and defense industries. This work has a potential for a 3-year Collaborative**Research & Development project engagement with the partner company, Thermopak Ltd.