Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Graphene-Modified Epoxy Resin for Pipeline Repair

This experimental study consists of a characterization of epoxy grout where an amount of 2% of graphene nanoplatelets particles were added to commercial epoxy resin to evaluate their behavior regarding neat epoxy resin. Compressive tests, tensile tests and flexural tests were conducted to study the effect of graphene nanoplatelets on neat epoxy resin. By comparing graphene-based and neat epoxy grout, there is no significant increase of strength due to weak interface in the graphene nanoplatelets/epoxy composites. From this experiment, the tension and flexural strength of graphenebased epoxy grouts is slightly lower than ones of neat epoxy grout. Nevertheless, the addition of graphene has produced more consistent results according to a smaller standard deviation of strength. Furthermore, the graphene has also improved the ductility of the grout, hence reducing its brittle behaviour. This shows that the performance of graphene-based grout is reliably predictable and able to minimise sudden rupture. This is important since repair design of damaged pipeline is of deterministic nature.

Authors:

• S. N. A. Azraai
• K. S. Lim
• N. Yahaya
• N. M. Noor

Keywords:

• Composite
• epoxy resin
• graphene nanoplatelets.

References:

[1] M.N. Noor, N. Yahaya, and S.R. Othman, “The Effect of Extreme
Corrosion Defect on Pipeline Remaining Life-time,” Malaysia Journal
of Civil Engineering, vol. 20 (1), 45-577, 2008.
[2] M. Shamsuddoha, M.M. Islam, T. Aravinhan, A. Manalo, and K.T. Lau,
“Characterization of mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy grouts
for composite repair of steel pipelines,” Material and Design, 52, 315-
327, 2013a.
[3] J.M. Duell, J.M. Wilson, and M.R. Kessler, “Analysis of a carbon
composite overwrap pipeline repair system,” Int J Press Vess Piping;
85:782-8B, 2008.
[4] O. Sindt, “Molecular architecture mechanical behavior relationsships in
epoxy network,” Polymer, vol 37(14), pp. 2989-2997, 1996.
[5] O. Buyukoxturk, “Progress on understanding debonding problems in
reinforced concrete and steel members strengthened using FRP
composite.” Construction and Buliding Materials, vol. 18(1), pp.9-19,
2004.
[6] J.D. Fidelus, “Thermo-mechanical properties of randomly oriented
carbon/epoxy nanocomposite,” Composites Part a-Applied Science and
Manufactruing, vol. 36(11), pp.155501561, 2005.
[7] J.F. Shen, “The reinforcement role of different amino-functionalized
multi-walled carbon nanotubes in epoxy nanocomposites,” Composites
Science and Technology, vol. 67(15-16), pp. 3041-3050, 2007.
[8] E. Ivanov, “Effects of Processing Conditions on Rheological, Thermal,
and Electrical Properties of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Resin
Composites,” Journal of Polymer Science Part B-Polymer Physics, vol.
49(6), pp. 431-442, 2011.
[9] P. Mendis, “Commercial Applications and Property Requirements for
Epoxies in Construction,” SP.ACI Special, 127-40, 1985.