Graphene oxide coated glass fibres for enhanced composite properties (GO-FRP)

Purpose and goal:

The project succeeded in creating FRP coupons with GO-modified fibre surface. The GO-modification facilitate good wetting of the commercial fibres without any pre-treatments of the fibres. It was not possible to show that a general improvement could be acquired with the GO-modification in terms of better durability against hot deionized water or warm NaOH. It was on the other hand possible to improve the mechanical properties with one kind of GO-modified fibre.

Expected results and effects:

After 4 months of exposure there was no improved performance for the GO-modified coupons, rather a decline in the bending stress, was seen compared to the reference coupons. But longer times are needed to give a final judgement on the performance. The evaluation was done in accordance with EN 13121. For exposure in NaOH it was not favourable to modify with GO. The possibility to modify with GO opens for more research projects to explore beneficial properties of the modification within FRP.

Approach and implementation:

The project have been running well thanks to great project partners. Ineos with excellent knowledge about the market, resins and its durability and Grafren with deep knowledge on application of GO. More time would be need to conduct longer exposures.