How to Test Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

How to Test Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Composites
By Surbhi Jain Apr 27 2022
Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.

In a review recently published in the open-access journal Polymers, researchers

discussed the test processes for the characterization of the fiber-reinforced polymer
composites at high temperatures.

Study: Test Methods for Characterizing the Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

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How to Test Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Composites at Elevated Temperatures. Image Credit: Iaremenko Sergii/Shutterstock.com

Background
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have become more popular in civil engineering
applications over the last three decades as a result of their superior properties when
compared to traditional construction materials like concrete and steel. However, due to
growing environmental concerns over excessive CO2 emissions stemming from the
increased usage of petroleum-based materials, a new trend in the building business is to
reduce carbon emissions.

Natural fibers are being examined as a possible replacement for synthetic fibers in the
manufacture of bio-based composite materials.

Equipment setup for hot disc method: (a) hot disc thermal constant analyzer and (b)
furnace. Image Credit: Kodur, V et al., Polymers

Poor fire resistance and high flammability are the two main concerns with FRP composites,
especially bio-based FRPs, and limit their use in structures. When compared to traditional
construction materials, the properties of FRP fluctuate dramatically with temperature and
must be properly tested using defined test procedures. While there is considerable
guidance on the necessary test procedures for characterizing FRP composite properties at
ambient temperature, there is less guidance on the test methods for describing capabilities
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at increased temperatures.

About the Study

In this study, the authors discussed the testing methodologies and processes for the
evaluation of the properties of FRP materials at various elevated temperatures. The most
appropriate specimen circumstances, testing regime, test methodologies, and other
concerns related to testing at elevated temperatures were all discussed.

Furthermore, the applicability of the suggested test methodologies was demonstrated using
typical FRP specimens in a case study. The applicability of the specified test methodologies
for measuring bio-based FRP composites' high-temperature capabilities was also
underlined.

The researchers presented a detailed analysis of test methods and procedures defined in
current standards (including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards
and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)) and published papers.

The team described the most appropriate test methods for high-temperature material
characterization of FRP composites, including bio-based FRPs, in the temperature range of
20 to 600 °C. A review of the numerous test methods was carried out to evaluate the
mechanical and thermal properties of synthetic FRP composites. In addition, the most
appropriate test methodologies for characterizing important material characteristics of the
FRP at elevated temperatures were discussed.

Fabrication of anchor system for FRP specimens indicating (a) epoxy filling, (b) steel wires,
(c) steel frame, and (d) test specimen. Image Credit: Kodur, V et al., Polymers
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Observations
The erosion of bond strength was reported to be rapid in the 20 to 200 °C temperature
range, and the near-surface mounted (NSM) FRP only retained 20 to 30% of its initial
strength at 200 °C. According to the results of the testing, the epoxy started to burn at
roughly 400 °C, which caused damage to the FRP-concrete bond. At 400 °C for carbon
FRP (CFRP) strips and 300 °C for CFRP rods, the bond strength was minimal. Concrete
had compressive strengths of 50 MPa and 48 MPa after 90 days and 28 days, respectively.

The modulus and strength of CFRP specimens degraded gradually between 20 and 300
°C, then rapidly beyond 300 °C. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of NSM CFRP
strips were determined to be 1641 MPa and 150.8 GPa, respectively, in room temperature
tests, while the comparable values for CFRP rods were 1577 MPa and 130.9 GPa.

Several studies reported that since bio-based composites had a similar construction, the
procedures and recommended guidelines for specimen conditions, anchor systems,
heating and loading rates, and other factors could be used to conduct property tests on the
bio-based FRP composites to generate suitable material property data in the temperature
range of 20 to 600 °C.

The high-temperature property data from the tests could be used to enter relevant property
relations into numerical models for the forecast of the capabilities of bio-based FRP under
various fire exposure situations.

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How to Test Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Test setup for FRP composite strength test at elevated temperatures. Image Credit: Kodur,
V et al., Polymers

Conclusions
In conclusion, this study discussed the test procedures and methods for the evaluation of
the mechanical and thermal properties of FRP composites at high temperatures. The most
appropriate test procedures for high-temperature material characterization of FRPs were
recommended based on the studied literature. In current codes and standards, no defined
test methods or procedures were found for the characterization of the high-temperature
properties of bio-based and synthetic FRP in the temperature range of 20 to 600 °C.

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For characterization of the material properties of bio-based and conventional FRP

composites in the 20 to 600 °C temperature range, efficient test procedures based on a
review of test methods in published literature and current standards could be used. The
case study demonstrated that the recommended test methodologies for the evaluation of
mechanical and thermal properties of FRP composites could be used to accurately assess
the FRP composites' high-temperature properties. The case study on conventional FRPs
demonstrated that the recommended test methodologies are capable of capturing
variations in thermal and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

Source
Kodur, V., Venkatachari, S., Matsagar, V. A., et al. Test Methods for Characterizing the
Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites at Elevated Temperatures. Polymers
14(9) 1734 (2022). https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/9/1734

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Written by

Surbhi Jain
Surbhi Jain is a freelance Technical writer based in Delhi, India. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from
the University of Delhi and has participated in several scientific, cultural, and sports events. Her
academic background is in Material Science research with a specialization in the development of
optical devices and sensors. She has extensive experience in content writing, editing,
experimental data analysis, and project management and has published 7 research papers in
Scopus-indexed journals and filed 2 Indian patents based on her research work. She is
passionate about reading, writing, research, and technology, and enjoys cooking, acting,
gardening, and sports.

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