NanoThermal Analyzer (NanoTA) Module for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for Effective Characterization and Assessment of the Properties and Long-Term Performance of Novel FRP Materials

纤维增强聚合物(FRPS)作为钢筋的一种经济有效的替代品，越来越多地被用作混凝土加固。鉴于其耐腐蚀性、轻质和高强度，FRP筋在加拿大的基础设施方面已有25年的历史，如桥面、停车场和连续人行道。缺乏有关长期耐久性的适当数据是更广泛地接受和大规模实施FRP筋的主要障碍。此外，申请者正在进行以天然纤维和生物来源树脂为基础的玻璃钢生态材料开发的新研究。这些活动需要详细的研究工作，涉及纤维表面化学处理的表征，以及纤维/树脂界面分析。为了解决这些问题，申请者将进行研究，调查各种环境/负载/协同参数对新材料和FRP产品长期性能的影响，这些新材料和FRP产品包含一种新的纤维、低扩散树脂体系、天然纤维和控制和调节(环境暴露，加载)FRP样品，以评估降解机制(纤维、基质和界面主导)。特别是，将利用纳米热分析仪(NanoTA)模块结合原子力显微镜(AFM)技术来研究基质和纤维基质界面的降解。此外，在生态复合材料中使用天然纤维或生物来源树脂的项目将大大受益于该设备，用于表征树脂表面改性、增强材料的表面微结构和性能以及材料在潮湿环境和侵蚀性介质中的界面/界面行为。此外，我们在生态复合材料中使用天然纤维的新项目(合作者的Tier1和Tier2 CRC)将大大受益于该设备，用于表征纤维表面改性以及纤维/树脂在侵蚀性介质中的耐化学性。拟议的研究将(1)为控制新型纤维和树脂、改性天然纤维、生物源树脂或纳米材料(如纳米纤维素或碳纳米管)的FRP的耐化学性和耐久性的因素提供新的知识和科学见解；(2)根据短期实验室老化测试和使用中结构的现场测试数据提供可靠的模型来预测FRP的使用寿命；(3)验证天然纤维表面处理及其对FRP生态复合材料的行为和耐久性的影响；(4)产生新的耐久性准则；以及(5)影响国内和国际上即将出台的规范和材料规范。22名HQP(16名博士和2名硕士研究生、4名博士后研究员和2名技术人员)将接受关于该设备的玻璃钢复合材料和纳米材料的高级培训。值得一提的是，所要求的设备将按照NSERC关于电子数据交换的声明使用。

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) are used increasingly as concrete reinforcement as a cost effective alternative to steel bars. Given their corrosion resistance, light weight, and high strength, FRP bars have a 25year history in Canada in infrastructure such as bridge decks, parking garages, and continuous pavements. The lack of appropriate data about the long-term durability poses a major obstacle to broader acceptance and mass implementation of FRP bars. Moreover, the applicants are conducting new research on the development of FRP ecomaterials based on natural fibers and biosourced resins. These activities require detailing research work involving the characterization of fibersurface chemical treatments, and fiber/resin interface analysis. To address these concerns, the applicants will conduct research investigating the effects of various environmental/load/synergetic parameters on the long-term performance of new materials and FRP products incorporating a new class of fibers, resin systems with low diffusion, natural fibers, and control and conditioned (environmental exposure, loaded) FRP samples to assess degradation mechanisms (fiber, matrix, and interface dominated). In particular, matrix & fibermatrix interface degradation will be studied by Nano Thermal Analyzer (NanoTA) Module coupled with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) technology. Moreover, projects involving the use of natural fibers or biosourced resins in ecocomposites will strongly benefit from this equipment for characterizing resin surface modification, surface microstructure and properties of reinforcing materials and interphase/interface behaviour of materials subjected to moist environments and aggressive media. Moreover, our new projects (Tier1 and Tier2 CRC of the coapplicants) involving natural fibers in ecocomposites will strongly benefit from this equipment for characterizing fibersurface modification, and fiber/resin chemical resistance in aggressive media. The proposed research will (1) provide new knowledge and scientific insights into the factors controlling the chemical resistance and durability of FRPs containing a new class of fibers and resins, modified natural fibers, and biosourced resins or nanomaterials such as nanocellulose or carbon nanotubes; (2) provide reliable models to predict the service life based on short-term laboratory aging tests and field test data from inservice structures; (3) validate natural fiber surface treatments and their effect on the behavior and durability of FRP ecocomposites; (4) yield new durability guidelines; and (5) influence upcoming codes and materials specifications nationally and internationally. 22 HQP (16 PhD and 2 MASc students, 4 postdoctoral fellows and 2 technicians) will receive advanced training on FRP composites and nanomaterials on this equipment. It is worth mentioning that the requested equipment will be used in accordance with NSERC's Statements on EDI.