Tabletop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for Advancing Research in Characterization and Assessment of the Properties and Long-Term Performance of Innovative FRP Materials and Bio-based Composites

纤维增强聚合物(FRP)作为传统钢筋的一种经济有效的替代材料，越来越多地被用作混凝土结构的内部加固。鉴于其耐腐蚀性、轻质和高强度，过去30年来，FRP筋一直在加拿大用于基础设施，如桥面、停车场和连续人行道。尽管进行了研究和产品认证，但玻璃钢的耐久性--特别是在恶劣环境条件下--是最关键的研究课题。缺乏关于长期耐久性的适当数据是更广泛地接受和大规模实施FRPS的主要障碍。为了解决这一问题，申请者正在开展研究项目，调查各种物理/环境/负载/协同参数对新型先进材料和玻璃钢产品长期性能的影响，这些材料和产品包括新型纤维(玻璃、玄武岩和天然纤维)、低扩散/渗透性树脂体系(乙烯基酯、环氧树脂、聚氨酯、丙烯酸和生物源树脂)以及新纳米材料(纳米纤维素和碳纳米颗粒)。申请者的研究活动包括测定对照(无条件)和调节(环境暴露，加载)玻璃钢试件的基本性质，以评估降解机制(即纤维为主、基质为主和界面为主)以及湿气或化学溶液(如碱性混凝土)对玻璃钢的渗透。特别是，界面的耐久性性能将使用桌面扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和能量色散X射线光谱(EDS)进行监测。此外，在生态复合材料中使用天然纤维或树脂的项目将极大地受益于这种设备，用于表征天然纤维的表面改性和粘结、表面微结构、增强材料的性能以及界面/界面行为，目的是开发具有更好性能和耐久性的材料。此外，我们的新项目(共同申请者的Tier1和Tier2 CRC)在生态复合材料中涉及天然纤维或生物来源树脂，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。拟议的研究将(1)为控制新型纤维和树脂、改性天然纤维和纳米材料(如碳纳米管)的玻璃钢耐久性的因素提供新的知识；(2)提供可靠的模型来预测使用寿命；以及(3)影响即将出台的玻璃钢规范和规范。27名HQP(17名博士、5名硕士、3名PDF和2名技术人员)将接受关于该设备的FRPS和纳米材料的高级培训。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 being used increasingly as internal reinforcement in concrete structures as a cost-effective alternative to conventional steel bars. Given their corrosion resistance, light weight, and high strength, FRP bars have been used in Canada for the last 30 years for infrastructure such bridge decks, parking garages, and continuous pavements. Despite research and product certification, FRP durability-especially under severe environmental conditions-stands out as the most critical research topic. The lack of appropriate data about the long-term durability poses a major obstacle to broader acceptance and mass implementation of FRPs. To address this concern, the applicants are conducting research programs investigating the effects of various physical/environmental/load/synergetic parameters on the long-term performance of new advanced materials and FRP products incorporating a new class of fibers (glass, basalt, and natural fibers), resin systems with low diffusion/permeability (vinyl-ester, epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and biosourced resins), and new nanomaterials (nanocellulose and carbon nanoparticles). The applicants' research activities include the determination of fundamental properties of control (unconditioned) and conditioned (environmental exposure, loaded) FRP samples to assess degradation mechanisms (i.e., fiber dominated, matrix dominated, and interface dominated) and FRP penetration by moisture or chemical solutions (such as alkaline concrete). In particular, the durability performance of the interface will be monitored using a Tabletop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Moreover, projects involving the use of natural fibers or resins in ecocomposites will strongly benefit from this equipment for characterizing natural fiber surface modification and bonding, surface microstructure, properties of reinforcing materials, and interphase/interface behavior, with the objective to develop materials with improved properties and durability. Moreover, our new projects (Tier1 and Tier2 CRC of the co-applicants) involving 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. The proposed research will (1) provide new knowledge into the factors controlling the durability of FRPs containing a new class of fibers and resins, modified natural fibers, and nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes; (2) provide reliable models to predict the service life; and (3) influence upcoming FRP codes and specifications. 27 HQP (17 PhD, 5 MASc, 3 PDF and 2 technicians) will receive advanced training on FRPs and nanomaterials on this equipment. The requested equipment will be used in accordance with NSERC's Statements on EDI.