Durability of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite-wood hybrid products fabricated using the composites pressure resin infusion system (ComPRIS)

Published: 2005

Author(s):
Goodell, B.
Herzog, B.
Gardner, D. J.
Lopez-Anido, R.

Publication Name: Forest products journal

Publication URL: https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US201301043999

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Abstract:

Successful application of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite reinforcement to wood products requires that a high quality, durable bond be developed between two dissimilar materials. In this study, the adhesive bonding properties of two FRP-wood composite materials were investigated. The newly developed Composites Pressure Resin Infusion System (ComPRIS) was used to produce an E-glass/vinyl ester FRP material directly on a wood surface. The performance of this material was compared to a control system comprised of an adhesive-bonded precured FRP composite sheet. The properties investigated included shear stress and the percentage of wood failure experienced in shear, and the delamination of the FRP-wood interface when subjected to an accelerated-aging test. The results indicated that FRP-wood hybrid composite materials produced by ComPRIS exhibit a shear strength equal to, or greater than, the control methods of reinforced FRP-glulam manufacture, i.e., the bonding of prefabricated FRP composite sheets with an epoxy adhesive. The results of the hygrothermal tests, however, suggest that the vinyl ester bondlines created by ComPRIS are not as durable as other adhesive bonding methods when subjected to repeated wetting and drying cycles. The main cause of this is thought to be the incomplete curing of the vinyl ester resin when allowed to cure at room temperature, and a post-curing procedure or use of a different resin is therefore recommended.