Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites 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 bridges, buildings, marine structures, and concrete pavements. The lack of appropriate data about the long-term durability poses a major obstacle to broader acceptance and mass implementation of FRP bars. Moreover, the applicants are conducting new research on the development of FRP eco-materials based on natural fibers and bio-sourced resins. These activities require detailing research work involving the characterization of chemically or physically degraded surfaces, microstructural analysis of aged materials, bond properties, and the behavior of new materials and/or treatments with a view to determining their service durability. To address these concerns, the applicants will conduct a research program investigating (1) the effects of various physical/environmental/load/synergetic parameters on the long-term performance of new advanced materials and FRP products, and (2) the structure and behavior of new eco-materials exposed to in service-simulating environmental conditions. These research activities require the use of a high-performance digital microscope. Contrary to standard optical microscopes, digital microscopes (DMs) offer 3D imaging at very high resolution, 2D and 3D measurements (distance, area, depth, surface porosity, microcracking, etc.), contamination analysis, high-speed image stitching, particle-size measurement and analysis, and an auto-adjust function. Moreover, our new projects (Tier 1 and Tier 2 CRC and industrial research chair of the co-applicants) involving the characterization of new advanced materials and FRP products and biobased polymer composites will strongly benefit from this equipment for characterizing surface microstructure and properties of reinforcing materials such as bond and interface behavior of materials subjected to humid and severe environments. The proposed research will (1) provide new knowledge and scientific insights into the factors controlling the durability performance of FRP materials containing a new class of fibers, resins with low diffusion, and modified natural fibers; (2) provide reliable models for bond and to predict the long-term durability (service life) based on laboratory aging tests and field test data from in-service structures; (3) validate natural fiber surface treatments and their effect on the behavior and durability of eco-composites; (4) draft new durability guidelines; and (5) influence upcoming codes and material specifications nationally and internationally. Twenty-nine HQP (19 PhD, 4 MASc, and 6 PDF) will receive advanced training on FRPs on this equipment. The requested equipment will be used in accordance with NSERC's statements on EDI.