Epoxy resins have exhibited exceptional performance in engineering applications, particularly as a replacement for traditional mechanical joints in adhesive bonding. This study evaluates the suitability of two innovative adhesives, SikaPower-1511 and SikaPower-1548, in various graded configurations. The thermal curing behavior of the adhesives was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDue to increasing mobility and energy conservation needs, improving bus and coach safety without adding weight is essential. Many crashes with fatal outcomes for vehicle occupants are associated with the rollover of the vehicle, revealing the structural weakness of the steel pillars between windows, which must resist high levels of bending during rollovers. This study aims to reinforce these pillars with expired carbon fiber prepreg from the aircraft industry, improving safety and reducing environmental waste.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe primary characteristic of ablative materials is their fire resistance. This study explored the development of cost-effective ablative materials formed into application-specific shapes by using a polymer matrix reinforced with ceramic powder. A thermoplastic (polypropylene; PP) and a thermoset (polyester; UPE) matrix were used to manufacture ablative materials with 50 wt% silicon carbide (SiC) particles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnaerobic adhesives (AAs) cure at room temperature in oxygen-deprived spaces between metal substrates. The curing process is significantly influenced by the type of metal ions present. This study investigates the curing kinetics of a high-strength AA on iron and copper substrates using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBecause of the high demand for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials across all industries, the reuse and/or recycling of these materials (rCFRP) is necessary in order to meet the principles of the circular economy, including recycling and reuse. The objective of this study is to estimate the lifespan of thermoplastic matrix composite materials reinforced with waste materials (CFRP), which undergo only a mechanical cutting process. This estimation is carried out through the thermal decomposition of polymers, including polymer matrix composite materials, which is a complex process due to the numerous reactions involved.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF