Multi-scale characterization of moisture and thermal cycle effects on composite-to-timber strengthening. (15th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valluzzi, Maria Rosa; Nardon, Fabiola; Garbin, Enrico; Panizza, Matteo
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 102:Part 2(2016)
• Page Start: 1070
• Page End: 1083
• Publication Date: 2016-01-15
• Subjects: Timber -- Composite -- Bonding -- Flax -- Carbon -- Pull-off test -- Single-lap shear test -- Bending test -- Optical microscopy -- IR spectrometry; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.07.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Use of vinyl glue for the application of natural (flax) textiles on timber elements. Multi-scale experimental study on flax applied to timber. Extensive study of flax-to-timber bond (pull-off, shear, microstructural analyses). Proposal of procedures for the study of durability of composites applied to timber. Comparison of flax and carbon fibers performance for timber strengthening. Abstract: The paper examines the influence of moisture and temperature cycles on timber elements reinforced with a wet lay-up system composed of various fibrous materials (carbon, flax) and matrices (epoxy resin, vinyl glue). A multi-scale experimental approach was adopted, including: (i) mechanical characterization of the composite reinforcement systems; (ii) investigation of behavior at the composite-to-timber interface by mechanical bond tests and microstructural analyses; (iii) four-point bending tests on strengthened timber beams. The results highlighted the good performance of natural-fiber composites compared with synthetic ones, and the marked influence of wood moisture content and temperature on bonding.