Abstract
The durability of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials in humid and harsh environments is an important consideration for acceptance of these materials in civil engineering applications. Reducing the moisture ingress may improve the durability of FRPs. The addition of modified inorganic powder, such as clay nanoparticles, may improve several important properties of polymers, such as barrier properties, fire retardancy, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of the addition of modified mica on FRP properties used in civil engineering applications. To conduct this preliminary study, the following steps were taken: (1) prepare and characterize composites made from labβmade modified mica, (2) determine the maximum water uptake, water absorption rate and coefficient of diffusion, (3) characterize the mechanical properties, and finally, (4) evaluate the UV resistance. The experimental results show that the use of nanoparticles leads to a decrease of the coefficient of diffusion of water and a significant increase of stiffness and UV resistance. POLYM. COMPOS., Β© 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.