Graphene-Reinforced Fiberglass Bars With Lower-Cost Polyester Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a continuous need for polymeric bars with improved resistance and lower production costs for demanding reinforcement structures, particularly in civil engineering, as existing materials like epoxy resins are costly and do not meet the mechanical requirements of high-stress applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pultrusion process to manufacture polymeric bars reinforced with glass fibers and graphene nanoplatelets, particularly using polyester resin, which are dispersed in a solvent like n-methyl-pyrrolidone, to achieve enhanced mechanical properties and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional epoxy resins are used for polymeric bars, then mechanical strength is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the resin by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (0.1-5% by weight) into the polyester or vinyl ester resin system. This modification enhances the mechanical properties of the resin, allowing the use of lower-cost base resins while achieving performance comparable to or exceeding traditional epoxy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining glass fibers with graphene-reinforced polyester or vinyl ester resins. This composite approach leverages the high strength-to-weight ratio of glass fibers and the enhanced mechanical properties of graphene-modified resins, achieving cost-effective high-performance reinforcement bars.
2Ease of manufacture
If polyester resin with graphene nanoplatelets is used, then production cost decreases, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration of graphene nanoplatelets in the resin matrix (0.1-5% by weight) to achieve the desired balance between cost reduction and mechanical property enhancement. This parameter optimization ensures that the polyester or vinyl ester resin system attains sufficient strength for structural applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses glass fibers as an intermediary reinforcement element that works synergistically with the graphene-modified resin. The glass fibers provide the primary structural reinforcement, while the graphene-enhanced resin matrix improves interfacial bonding and distributes stresses effectively, compensating for the lower inherent strength of polyester/vinyl ester resins compared to epoxies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting bars exhibit superior tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and durability, making them suitable for high-stress applications in civil engineering, while being more cost-effective than traditional materials.
Implementation Method 1
graphene nanoplatelets, which are dispersed in a solvent like n-methyl-pyrrolidone
Implementation Method 2
a pultrusion process to manufacture polymeric bars reinforced with glass fibers and graphene nanoplatelets
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a reinforced bar made from fiberglass and polymeric resin, the resin being selected from polyester resin and epoxy resin wherein said resin is additionally reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets.