Effect of creosote and copper naphthenate preservative treatments on properties of FRP composite materials used for wood reinforcement
Published: 2004
Herzog, B.
Tascioglu, C.
Gardner, D. J.
Lopez-Anido, R.
Muszynski, L.
Publication Name: Journal of advanced materials
Abstract:
Structural timbers and FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer)-wood composites must be protected by preservative systems when used in high decay hazard environments. In this study, the mechanical properties of FRP materials treated with either creosote or a solvent-borne preservative were investigated. Undiluted creosote (coal tar distillate, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons) and 1% copper naphthenate (CuNap) in a mineral spirits carrier were the two preservatives selected for this study. The mechanical properties investigated included: interlaminar shear strength (Fzx), longitudinal elastic modulus (Ex) and longitudinal tensile strength (Fxt). The results showed that an FRP consisting of E-glass fiber, bonded with epoxy, fabricated by the continuous lamination method was adversely affected by a creosote-treatment with regard to interlaminar shear strength. Longitudinal tensile strength of a pultruded FRP composite flat-sheet (E-glass fiber, bonded with urethane) was adversely affected when treated with either preservative. The preservative treatments did not affect these properties for two FRP materials (E-glass fiber, bonded with vinyl ester and carbon fiber, bonded with vinyl ester) fabricated by the SCRIMP process. Similarly, longitudinal elastic modulus was not affected by treatment in any FRP material tested. The longitudinal tensile strength of E-glass/epoxy composite material was apparently improved by a CuNap treatment.