Papers by Keyword: Pultruded Composites

Abstract: Pultruded Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites (PKRC) was produced successfully using pultrusion technique at 70 wt% of fiber loading. Kenaf fiber 1400, 2200 and 3300 tex were used to produce PKRC with and without surfacing veil (SV). The aim of this study was to compare the properties of PKRC with and without SV after 200 days of natural weathering exposure. For natural weathering exposure study, PKRC 1400 specimen absorbed the least moisture followed by 2200 and the highest was 3300 tex. PKRC with SV showed lower moisture uptake than PKRC without SV in all the given environments.

Abstract: One of the major limitations for wider use of pultruded fiber reinforced polymeric (PFRP) composites in the civil engineering sector has been their behavior under elevated temperature and ultimately fire. This limitation arises not only due to the reduction in mechanical properties at high temperatures, including increased propensity to creep, but also due to limitations on the continuous working temperature causing permanent damage to the material as a result of thermal and oxidative degradation. Significant gains in property retention at high temperatures with crystalline polymers have been derived from the incorporation of fibrous reinforcement, but the development of new polymer matrices is the key for further elevation of the useful temperature range. This paper presents summary results of a research project focused on characterizing the viscoelastic behavior of commercially-produced, off-the-shelf unidirectional PFRP materials subjected to elevated temperature environments.