We present THz time-domain spectroscopy measurements on glass-fibre reinforced polymers. The experimental set-up consists of a standard free-space THz spectrometer with photoconductive emitter and detector antennas driven by a femtosecond laser source. Single-point measurements to precisely obtain the THz properties of the sample are performed as well as two-dimensional images by scanning the s...

Natural fibre reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) foams, as potential green replacements for petroleum-based polymer foams, were investigated. Highly porous (ε > 95%) microcellular PLA foams were manufactured by supercritical CO2 assisted extrusion process. To overcome the inherent low melt strength of PLA, epoxyfunctionalized chain extender was applied, while talc was added to improve its crystal...

The ultimate strength of reinforced concrete slabs is frequently governed by the punching shear capacity, which may be increased with addition of traditional fitments such as reinforcing steel, headed studs or shear heads. In addition to these traditional methods of strengthening against punching, steel fibre reinforcement has proved to be an effective and viable alternative. The addition of fi...

The fatigue behaviour of injection moulded short fibre reinforced polymers depends upon fibre orientation, as shown in experiments conducted with notched specimens injected through different injection gates. The different fatigue behaviour is related to the different local elastic properties, as determined by the different fibre orientation patterns, resulting into different strain distribution...

The aim of this study was to develop a finite element (FE) hip model with subject-specific geometry and biphasic cartilage properties. Different levels of detail in the representation of fibre reinforcement were considered to evaluate the feasibility to simplify the complex depth-dependent fibre pattern in the native hip joint. A FE model of a cadaveric hip with subject-specific geometry was co...

This article presents new modifications to the clinical technique of fabricating directly applied resin-bonded fibre-reinforced bridges. Torsional and flexural strength is achieved by means of a reinforced polyethylene fibre ribbon substructure surrounded by laminated layers of microhybrid and microfilled resins. The modifications provide a simple method for creating a better pontic-ridge relat...

This paper highlights the philosophy and concepts used for of the design of prestressed concrete structures prestressed by fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) tendons and rods proposed for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) S806-00 Standard "Design and Construction of Building Components with Fibre Reinforced Polymers". The paper deals with the section of the code which applies to concrete bea...

Total hip replacement has been a successful surgical intervention for many years. However, concerns regarding UHMWPE wear particle induced osteolysis [1], have led to alternative bearing materials to be sought. Carbon-fibre reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) is a fibre-reinforced polymer which has shown reduced wear in hip and knee configurations compared with conventional polyethyle...

The authors have re-examined the Strength-Life Equal Rank Assumption (SLERA) that is used in the fatigue life prediction of composite materials, and suggest that this assumption may be valid for a wide range of fibre-reinforced epoxy laminates subjected to tensile, compressive or shear fatigue Ioadings. The evidence presented here suggests that there may be an exact correlation between the init...