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Hydrogen is becoming popular as a sustainable source of energy globally. The Australian government is currently funding millions of dollars in multiple projects to promote usage of Hydrogen. According to the Low Emissions Technology Statement of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), Australia aims to reduce costs and develop innovative technologies to meet the government's goal of hydrogen production under $2/kg. Current pipeline infrastructure, which is mainly designed for transporting natural gas, has several limitations for hydrogen transport, such as: embrittlement and cracking of steel pipelines, performance evaluation and performance testing. Reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) can be a solution due to its high chemical resistance, durability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study is to provide recommendations for design of RTPs with variable fibre thicknesses and fibre orientations under different internal pressures. The proposed RTP consists of an inner high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe reinforced by glass fibre wrapping (GFRP), and then inserted into an outer HDPE pipe. [...], Thesis (Masters), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), School of Eng & Built Env, Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology, Full Text

A surge in the use of fibre reinforced composites for biodegradable materials, which include both synthetic and natural fibres, to fulfil the strength requirements of composites while also being environmentally friendly has resulted in the use of these materials becoming increasingly popular. Researchers have been working to improve natural fibre qualities to partially replace synthetic fibre, even though not entirely. The research can be accomplished by modelling and simulation techniques, which are becoming more prevalent as technology advances. The approaches have the benefits of being efficient in addressing any material model, boundary conditions, and complicated form structure that may be encountered. This study uses ANSYS APDL, a finite element analysis tool, to carry out flexural test. These factors, as well as the fibre ply orientation, lay-up sequence, and fibre volume percentage, have an impact on the maximum stress of each composite, which are investigated in this study. In the lay-up sequence of [(+?, -?)2] s, with fibre ply orientation of 0? the maximum flexural stress obtains for glass/epoxy (vf=60 %), glass epoxy (vf=30 %), and jute/epoxy (vf=30 %) is 214.64 MPa, 153.77 MPa, and 82.91 MPa and for fibre ply orientation of 90? the maximum bending stress is 55.41 MPa, 18.39 MPa and 8.37 MPa respectively. Furthermore, the impact of off-axis plies in the 0° fibre ply orientation can be observed in the maximum bending stress of the [?4,04] s lay-up sequence, which is a function of the number of off-axis plies in the 0° fibre ply orientation. When using the lay-up sequence [904,04] s, the maximum flexural stress for glass/epoxy (vf=60 percent), glass/epoxy (vf=30 percent), and jute/epoxy (vf=30 percent) is 83.39 MPa, 23.04 MPa, and 17.92 MPa, respectively. When bending tests are performed, the 0° fibre ply orientation produces the highest maximum stress, followed by 45° and 90°. When comparing 0° plies composites with off-axis angles to plies composites, th

The goal of the European Union is to make strides towards a circular economy. This means recycling or re-using as much of the material in the economic system as possible. The wind industry faces a great challenge in the years to come as huge quantities of increasingly larger wind turbines reach the end of their service-life. When old wind turbines have been decommissioned, most parts are scrapped and recycled into other applications. The turbineblades however are made from glass- and carbon fibre polymers and are not as easily recycled. Recent bans of putting the blades into landfills steer the industry toward finding new applicationfor the old wind turbine blades. Re-purposing the blades as bridges, shelters, houses and towers has been suggested, as well as re-cycle the material or recover the blades as energy. Regardless of what method is preferred, the wind turbine blades need to be transported to a re-purpose or recycling facility. Because of the distribution of wind turbines within countries, the optimal location of such facilities can be hard to evaluate. The centre-of-gravity method (evaluating the centre-of-mass) has been suggested as a way of evaluating the optimal location of such facilities. The method is built upon the assumption that the wind turbine blade can be easily downsized, transported and accommodated in a single transport. In order to achieve this, the present thesis has compared and evaluated different methods of segmenting the wind turbine blade (mechanical, thermal and chemical) as well as different loading and compressing methods. The mechanical separation methods tend to be more suitable than the thermal and chemical counterparts. The choice of loading methods is dictated by the resulting fraction size of the wind turbine blade after separation. The mass density of the resulting blade could be increased with a suitable way of compression (hydraulic or gravity).

The goal of the European Union is to make strides towards a circular economy. This means recycling or re-using as much of the material in the economic system as possible. The wind industry faces a great challenge in the years to come as huge quantities of increasingly larger wind turbines reach the end of their service-life. When old wind turbines have been decommissioned, most parts are scrapped and recycled into other applications. The turbineblades however are made from glass- and carbon fibre polymers and are not as easily recycled. Recent bans of putting the blades into landfills steer the industry toward finding new applicationfor the old wind turbine blades. Re-purposing the blades as bridges, shelters, houses and towers has been suggested, as well as re-cycle the material or recover the blades as energy. Regardless of what method is preferred, the wind turbine blades need to be transported to a re-purpose or recycling facility. Because of the distribution of wind turbines within countries, the optimal location of such facilities can be hard to evaluate. The centre-of-gravity method (evaluating the centre-of-mass) has been suggested as a way of evaluating the optimal location of such facilities. The method is built upon the assumption that the wind turbine blade can be easily downsized, transported and accommodated in a single transport. In order to achieve this, the present thesis has compared and evaluated different methods of segmenting the wind turbine blade (mechanical, thermal and chemical) as well as different loading and compressing methods. The mechanical separation methods tend to be more suitable than the thermal and chemical counterparts. The choice of loading methods is dictated by the resulting fraction size of the wind turbine blade after separation. The mass density of the resulting blade could be increased with a suitable way of compression (hydraulic or gravity).

Structural health monitoring of composite structures enables early damage detection to prevent critical component failure. Surface-mounted strain gauges are commonly applied to monitor the integrity of composite structures in highly loaded areas. However, strain gauges can only measure strain on the structure's surface and are exposed to environmental influences. Within this paper, fully integrated carbon nanotube thin-film sensors for strain and damage sensing in glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP) via electrical resistance measurements are presented. Single wall carbon nanotube epoxy thin-films were manufactured using a manual film applicator, partially pre-cured, placed on dry glass fabrics and infused in a resin transfer moulding process. The mechanical properties of the composites and strain sensing capabilities of the integrated sensors were studied for various load cases and different laminate lay-ups. Results of quasi-static and step-wise three-point bending and tensile tests show that the integrated films allow for localised strain measurements in GFRP without significant loss of mechanical properties. Open hole tensile tests proof the ability to monitor local strain and damage in highly loaded areas enabling failure prediction via threshold resistance change values. The proposed thin-films enable a tailored strain and damage monitoring of GFRP offering the possibility for measurements at different material depths, over large sections or selectively in highly loaded areas. The manufacturing process is easily automatable and suitable for large scale manufacturing., Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

A surge in the use of fibre reinforced composites for biodegradable materials, which include both synthetic and natural fibres, to fulfil the strength requirements of composites while also being environmentally friendly has resulted in the use of these materials becoming increasingly popular. Researchers have been working to improve natural fibre qualities to partially replace synthetic fibre, even though not entirely. The research can be accomplished by modelling and simulation techniques, which are becoming more prevalent as technology advances. The approaches have the benefits of being efficient in addressing any material model, boundary conditions, and complicated form structure that may be encountered. This study uses ANSYS APDL, a finite element analysis tool, to carry out flexural test. These factors, as well as the fibre ply orientation, lay-up sequence, and fibre volume percentage, have an impact on the maximum stress of each composite, which are investigated in this study. In the lay-up sequence of [(+?, -?)2] s, with fibre ply orientation of 0? the maximum flexural stress obtains for glass/epoxy (vf=60 %), glass epoxy (vf=30 %), and jute/epoxy (vf=30 %) is 214.64 MPa, 153.77 MPa, and 82.91 MPa and for fibre ply orientation of 90? the maximum bending stress is 55.41 MPa, 18.39 MPa and 8.37 MPa respectively. Furthermore, the impact of off-axis plies in the 0° fibre ply orientation can be observed in the maximum bending stress of the [?4,04] s lay-up sequence, which is a function of the number of off-axis plies in the 0° fibre ply orientation. When using the lay-up sequence [904,04] s, the maximum flexural stress for glass/epoxy (vf=60 percent), glass/epoxy (vf=30 percent), and jute/epoxy (vf=30 percent) is 83.39 MPa, 23.04 MPa, and 17.92 MPa, respectively. When bending tests are performed, the 0° fibre ply orientation produces the highest maximum stress, followed by 45° and 90°. When comparing 0° plies composites with off-axis angles to plies composites, th

High-performance fibre-reinforced polymer composites are important construction materials based not only on the specific properties of the reinforcing fibres and the flexible polymer matrix, but also on the compatible properties of the composite interphase. First, oxygen-free (a-CSi:H) and oxygen binding (a-CSiO:H) plasma nanocoatings of different mechanical and tribological properties were deposited on planar silicon dioxide substrates that closely mimic E-glass. The nanoscratch test was used to characterize the nanocoating adhesion expressed in terms of critical normal load and work of adhesion. Next, the same nanocoatings were deposited on E-glass fibres, which were used as reinforcements in the polyester composite to affect its interphase properties. The shear properties of the polymer composite were characterized by macro- and micromechanical tests, namely a short beam shear test to determine the short-beam strength and a single fibre push-out test to determine the interfacial shear strength. The results of the polymer composites showed a strong correlation between the short-beam strength and the interfacial shear strength, proving that both tests are sensitive to changes in fibre-matrix adhesion due to different surface modification of glass fibres (GF). Finally, a strong correlation between the shear properties of the GF/polyester composite and the adhesion of the plasma nanocoating expressed through the work of adhesion was demonstrated. Thus, increasing the work of adhesion of plasma nanocoatings from 0.8 to 1.5 mJ·m-2 increased the short-beam strength from 23.1 to 45.2 MPa. The results confirmed that the work of adhesion is a more suitable parameter to characterise the level of nanocoating adhesion in comparison with the critical normal load., Vysoce výkonné vlákny vyztužené polymerní kompozity jsou důležité konstrukční materiály založené nejen na specifických vlastnostech výztužných vláken a pružné polymerní matrici, ale také na kompatibilních vlastnostech kompozitního mezifáze. Nejprve byly na planární substráty oxidu křemičitého, které úzce napodobují E-sklo, naneseny plazmové nanopovlaky bez obsahu kyslíku (a-CSi: H) a vázající kyslík (a-CSiO: H). K charakterizaci nanopovlakové adheze vyjádřené z hlediska kritického normálního zatížení a práce adheze byl použit nanorozprašný test. Dále byly stejné nanopovlaky naneseny na vlákna E-glass, která byla použita jako výztuhy v polyesterovém kompozitu, aby se ovlivnily jeho mezifázové vlastnosti. Smykové vlastnosti polymerního kompozitu byly charakterizovány makro- a mikromechanickými zkouškami, jmenovitě zkouškou krátkým paprskem ve smyku pro stanovení pevnosti krátkého paprsku a zkouškou tlakem z jednoho vlákna pro stanovení mezifázové smykové pevnosti. Výsledky polymerních kompozitů ukázaly silnou korelaci mezi pevností krátkého paprsku a mezifázovou pevností ve smyku, což dokazuje, že oba testy jsou citlivé na změny adheze vláknových matric v důsledku odlišné povrchové úpravy skleněných vláken (GF). Nakonec byla prokázána silná korelace mezi smykovými vlastnostmi GF / polyesterového kompozitu a adhezí plazmatického nanopovlaku vyjádřenou prostřednictvím práce adheze. Zvyšování práce adheze plazmových nanopovlaků z 0,8 na 1,5 mJ · m-2 tedy zvýšilo sílu krátkého paprsku z 23,1 na 45,2 MPa. Výsledky potvrdily, že práce adheze je vhodnějším parametrem pro charakterizaci úrovně adheze nanopovlaku ve srovnání s kritickým normálním zatížením.

A study has been made of mineral admixtures, such as ultra-fine Fly-ash and Metakoalin, and glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, to produce high performance Concrete. Glass fiber is maintained stable by volume by 0.25 percent by cement content in varying fractions (0.5 percent, 0.75 percent & 1.0 percent) and polypropylene fiber. SP 430 is applied to the concrete mix to ensure greater workability. The grade of concrete M70 is used. The cubes, cylinders and beams are casted for different water cement ratios of 0.275%, 0.30% and 1.00%. The strength tests are carried out for 14, 28 days and durability tests are carried for 56 days. The Behavior of the HPC specimens in compressive strength, flexure and splitting tensile strength were calculated. Due to the addition of mineral admixture & fiber volume into the mix, it gives very good performance & Suitable for construction.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with glass fibre (GF) and graphite were prepared by internal mixer and moulded using compression mould to produce test samples. A high-speed mixer was selected to simulate uneven mixing and excessive mixing conditions by controlling different mixing time. The work studied the mixing process's influence on the mechanical and tribological properties of PTFE composites and investigated the state of glass fibres on the unworn/ worn composite surface with SEM characterisation. The results revealed that the mechanical and tribological properties of composites were associated with the mixing process. For the non-uniform mixing of composite materials, glass-fibre particles fell off the matrix earlier, hindering glass fibre particles in bearing the matrix load. Moreover, excessive mixing increased mixing temperature, the matrix material softened due to overheating, which caused the adhesive wear between the steel ring and PTFE composites. It increased the volume wear rate of composite materials., Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with glass fibre (GF) and graphite were prepared by internal mixer and moulded using compression mould to produce test samples. A high-speed mixer was selected to simulate uneven mixing and excessive mixing conditions by controlling different mixing time. The work studied the mixing process's influence on the mechanical and tribological properties of PTFE composites and investigated the state of glass fibres on the unworn/ worn composite surface with SEM characterisation. The results revealed that the mechanical and tribological properties of composites were associated with the mixing process. For the non-uniform mixing of composite materials, glass-fibre particles fell off the matrix earlier, hindering glass fibre particles in bearing the matrix load. Moreover, excessive mixing increased mixing temperature, the matrix material softened due to overheating, which caused the adhesive wear between the steel ring and PTFE composites. It increased the volume wear rate of composite materials.

Use of conventional materials is increasing day by day due to rapid infrastructural growth which increases the cost of materials and increases the cost of construction. Hence utilization of Sugar cane bagasse ash waste materials without causing threat to environment solves the problems of disposal and also can provide economical materials. In this study glass fiber, sugarcane bagasse ash and blast furnace slag were used and cement used for binding purpose. Different mix ratio was prepared to understand the effect of addition of glass fibre on sugar cane bagasse ash based materials under compressive loading. The mix ratio was taken 0.2 to 1.0% for the research work. Blast furnace slag was added 10% to weight of sugar cane bagasse ash. The sample were tested for compressive loading for 7, 14, 28 days respectively. The density is most important parameter of materials. It was observed that the density of materials significantly influences with addition of glass fibre. The density of materials decreases with percentage of glass fiber increase. The density of materials varies between 901.1 kg/m3 to 741.10kg/m3The compressive strength also significantly affected by percentages of glass fibre. The compressive strength ranging 82 kPa to 798 kPa.The compressive strength increases up to certain mix ratio then decrease continuously. The stiffness of sugar cane bagasse ash specimens reinforced with glass fiber at cement 20% more than 15% and 10%.The stiffness also increase with the curing period. The maximum load was observed at 0.6% mix ratio. The stress strain behavior was observed to be nonlinear.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

A study has been made of mineral admixtures, such as ultra-fine Fly-ash and Metakoalin, and glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, to produce high performance Concrete. Glass fiber is maintained stable by volume by 0.25 percent by cement content in varying fractions (0.5 percent, 0.75 percent & 1.0 percent) and polypropylene fiber. SP 430 is applied to the concrete mix to ensure greater workability. The grade of concrete M70 is used. The cubes, cylinders and beams are casted for different water cement ratios of 0.275%, 0.30% and 1.00%. The strength tests are carried out for 14, 28 days and durability tests are carried for 56 days. The Behavior of the HPC specimens in compressive strength, flexure and splitting tensile strength were calculated. Due to the addition of mineral admixture & fiber volume into the mix, it gives very good performance & Suitable for construction.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

A study has been made of mineral admixtures, such as ultra-fine Fly-ash and Metakoalin, and glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, to produce high performance Concrete. Glass fiber is maintained stable by volume by 0.25 percent by cement content in varying fractions (0.5 percent, 0.75 percent & 1.0 percent) and polypropylene fiber. SP 430 is applied to the concrete mix to ensure greater workability. The grade of concrete M70 is used. The cubes, cylinders and beams are casted for different water cement ratios of 0.275%, 0.30% and 1.00%. The strength tests are carried out for 14, 28 days and durability tests are carried for 56 days. The Behavior of the HPC specimens in compressive strength, flexure and splitting tensile strength were calculated. Due to the addition of mineral admixture & fiber volume into the mix, it gives very good performance & Suitable for construction.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

A study has been made of mineral admixtures, such as ultra-fine Fly-ash and Metakoalin, and glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, to produce high performance Concrete. Glass fiber is maintained stable by volume by 0.25 percent by cement content in varying fractions (0.5 percent, 0.75 percent & 1.0 percent) and polypropylene fiber. SP 430 is applied to the concrete mix to ensure greater workability. The grade of concrete M70 is used. The cubes, cylinders and beams are casted for different water cement ratios of 0.275%, 0.30% and 1.00%. The strength tests are carried out for 14, 28 days and durability tests are carried for 56 days. The Behavior of the HPC specimens in compressive strength, flexure and splitting tensile strength were calculated. Due to the addition of mineral admixture & fiber volume into the mix, it gives very good performance & Suitable for construction.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

High-performance fibre-reinforced polymer composites are important construction materials based not only on the specific properties of the reinforcing fibres and the flexible polymer matrix, but also on the compatible properties of the composite interphase. First, oxygen-free (a-CSi:H) and oxygen binding (a-CSiO:H) plasma nanocoatings of different mechanical and tribological properties were deposited on planar silicon dioxide substrates that closely mimic E-glass. The nanoscratch test was used to characterize the nanocoating adhesion expressed in terms of critical normal load and work of adhesion. Next, the same nanocoatings were deposited on E-glass fibres, which were used as reinforcements in the polyester composite to affect its interphase properties. The shear properties of the polymer composite were characterized by macro- and micromechanical tests, namely a short beam shear test to determine the short-beam strength and a single fibre push-out test to determine the interfacial shear strength. The results of the polymer composites showed a strong correlation between the short-beam strength and the interfacial shear strength, proving that both tests are sensitive to changes in fibre-matrix adhesion due to different surface modification of glass fibres (GF). Finally, a strong correlation between the shear properties of the GF/polyester composite and the adhesion of the plasma nanocoating expressed through the work of adhesion was demonstrated. Thus, increasing the work of adhesion of plasma nanocoatings from 0.8 to 1.5 mJ·m-2 increased the short-beam strength from 23.1 to 45.2 MPa. The results confirmed that the work of adhesion is a more suitable parameter to characterise the level of nanocoating adhesion in comparison with the critical normal load., Vysoce výkonné vlákny vyztužené polymerní kompozity jsou důležité konstrukční materiály založené nejen na specifických vlastnostech výztužných vláken a pružné polymerní matrici, ale také na kompatibilních vlastnostech kompozitního mezifáze. Nejprve byly na planární substráty oxidu křemičitého, které úzce napodobují E-sklo, naneseny plazmové nanopovlaky bez obsahu kyslíku (a-CSi: H) a vázající kyslík (a-CSiO: H). K charakterizaci nanopovlakové adheze vyjádřené z hlediska kritického normálního zatížení a práce adheze byl použit nanorozprašný test. Dále byly stejné nanopovlaky naneseny na vlákna E-glass, která byla použita jako výztuhy v polyesterovém kompozitu, aby se ovlivnily jeho mezifázové vlastnosti. Smykové vlastnosti polymerního kompozitu byly charakterizovány makro- a mikromechanickými zkouškami, jmenovitě zkouškou krátkým paprskem ve smyku pro stanovení pevnosti krátkého paprsku a zkouškou tlakem z jednoho vlákna pro stanovení mezifázové smykové pevnosti. Výsledky polymerních kompozitů ukázaly silnou korelaci mezi pevností krátkého paprsku a mezifázovou pevností ve smyku, což dokazuje, že oba testy jsou citlivé na změny adheze vláknových matric v důsledku odlišné povrchové úpravy skleněných vláken (GF). Nakonec byla prokázána silná korelace mezi smykovými vlastnostmi GF / polyesterového kompozitu a adhezí plazmatického nanopovlaku vyjádřenou prostřednictvím práce adheze. Zvyšování práce adheze plazmových nanopovlaků z 0,8 na 1,5 mJ · m-2 tedy zvýšilo sílu krátkého paprsku z 23,1 na 45,2 MPa. Výsledky potvrdily, že práce adheze je vhodnějším parametrem pro charakterizaci úrovně adheze nanopovlaku ve srovnání s kritickým normálním zatížením.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

High-performance fibre-reinforced polymer composites are important construction materials based not only on the specific properties of the reinforcing fibres and the flexible polymer matrix, but also on the compatible properties of the composite interphase. First, oxygen-free (a-CSi:H) and oxygen binding (a-CSiO:H) plasma nanocoatings of different mechanical and tribological properties were deposited on planar silicon dioxide substrates that closely mimic E-glass. The nanoscratch test was used to characterize the nanocoating adhesion expressed in terms of critical normal load and work of adhesion. Next, the same nanocoatings were deposited on E-glass fibres, which were used as reinforcements in the polyester composite to affect its interphase properties. The shear properties of the polymer composite were characterized by macro- and micromechanical tests, namely a short beam shear test to determine the short-beam strength and a single fibre push-out test to determine the interfacial shear strength. The results of the polymer composites showed a strong correlation between the short-beam strength and the interfacial shear strength, proving that both tests are sensitive to changes in fibre-matrix adhesion due to different surface modification of glass fibres (GF). Finally, a strong correlation between the shear properties of the GF/polyester composite and the adhesion of the plasma nanocoating expressed through the work of adhesion was demonstrated. Thus, increasing the work of adhesion of plasma nanocoatings from 0.8 to 1.5 mJ·m-2 increased the short-beam strength from 23.1 to 45.2 MPa. The results confirmed that the work of adhesion is a more suitable parameter to characterise the level of nanocoating adhesion in comparison with the critical normal load., Vysoce výkonné vlákny vyztužené polymerní kompozity jsou důležité konstrukční materiály založené nejen na specifických vlastnostech výztužných vláken a pružné polymerní matrici, ale také na kompatibilních vlastnostech kompozitního mezifáze. Nejprve byly na planární substráty oxidu křemičitého, které úzce napodobují E-sklo, naneseny plazmové nanopovlaky bez obsahu kyslíku (a-CSi: H) a vázající kyslík (a-CSiO: H). K charakterizaci nanopovlakové adheze vyjádřené z hlediska kritického normálního zatížení a práce adheze byl použit nanorozprašný test. Dále byly stejné nanopovlaky naneseny na vlákna E-glass, která byla použita jako výztuhy v polyesterovém kompozitu, aby se ovlivnily jeho mezifázové vlastnosti. Smykové vlastnosti polymerního kompozitu byly charakterizovány makro- a mikromechanickými zkouškami, jmenovitě zkouškou krátkým paprskem ve smyku pro stanovení pevnosti krátkého paprsku a zkouškou tlakem z jednoho vlákna pro stanovení mezifázové smykové pevnosti. Výsledky polymerních kompozitů ukázaly silnou korelaci mezi pevností krátkého paprsku a mezifázovou pevností ve smyku, což dokazuje, že oba testy jsou citlivé na změny adheze vláknových matric v důsledku odlišné povrchové úpravy skleněných vláken (GF). Nakonec byla prokázána silná korelace mezi smykovými vlastnostmi GF / polyesterového kompozitu a adhezí plazmatického nanopovlaku vyjádřenou prostřednictvím práce adheze. Zvyšování práce adheze plazmových nanopovlaků z 0,8 na 1,5 mJ · m-2 tedy zvýšilo sílu krátkého paprsku z 23,1 na 45,2 MPa. Výsledky potvrdily, že práce adheze je vhodnějším parametrem pro charakterizaci úrovně adheze nanopovlaku ve srovnání s kritickým normálním zatížením.

High-performance fibre-reinforced polymer composites are important construction materials based not only on the specific properties of the reinforcing fibres and the flexible polymer matrix, but also on the compatible properties of the composite interphase. First, oxygen-free (a-CSi:H) and oxygen binding (a-CSiO:H) plasma nanocoatings of different mechanical and tribological properties were deposited on planar silicon dioxide substrates that closely mimic E-glass. The nanoscratch test was used to characterize the nanocoating adhesion expressed in terms of critical normal load and work of adhesion. Next, the same nanocoatings were deposited on E-glass fibres, which were used as reinforcements in the polyester composite to affect its interphase properties. The shear properties of the polymer composite were characterized by macro- and micromechanical tests, namely a short beam shear test to determine the short-beam strength and a single fibre push-out test to determine the interfacial shear strength. The results of the polymer composites showed a strong correlation between the short-beam strength and the interfacial shear strength, proving that both tests are sensitive to changes in fibre-matrix adhesion due to different surface modification of glass fibres (GF). Finally, a strong correlation between the shear properties of the GF/polyester composite and the adhesion of the plasma nanocoating expressed through the work of adhesion was demonstrated. Thus, increasing the work of adhesion of plasma nanocoatings from 0.8 to 1.5 mJ·m-2 increased the short-beam strength from 23.1 to 45.2 MPa. The results confirmed that the work of adhesion is a more suitable parameter to characterise the level of nanocoating adhesion in comparison with the critical normal load., Vysoce výkonné vlákny vyztužené polymerní kompozity jsou důležité konstrukční materiály založené nejen na specifických vlastnostech výztužných vláken a pružné polymerní matrici, ale také na kompatibilních vlastnostech kompozitního mezifáze. Nejprve byly na planární substráty oxidu křemičitého, které úzce napodobují E-sklo, naneseny plazmové nanopovlaky bez obsahu kyslíku (a-CSi: H) a vázající kyslík (a-CSiO: H). K charakterizaci nanopovlakové adheze vyjádřené z hlediska kritického normálního zatížení a práce adheze byl použit nanorozprašný test. Dále byly stejné nanopovlaky naneseny na vlákna E-glass, která byla použita jako výztuhy v polyesterovém kompozitu, aby se ovlivnily jeho mezifázové vlastnosti. Smykové vlastnosti polymerního kompozitu byly charakterizovány makro- a mikromechanickými zkouškami, jmenovitě zkouškou krátkým paprskem ve smyku pro stanovení pevnosti krátkého paprsku a zkouškou tlakem z jednoho vlákna pro stanovení mezifázové smykové pevnosti. Výsledky polymerních kompozitů ukázaly silnou korelaci mezi pevností krátkého paprsku a mezifázovou pevností ve smyku, což dokazuje, že oba testy jsou citlivé na změny adheze vláknových matric v důsledku odlišné povrchové úpravy skleněných vláken (GF). Nakonec byla prokázána silná korelace mezi smykovými vlastnostmi GF / polyesterového kompozitu a adhezí plazmatického nanopovlaku vyjádřenou prostřednictvím práce adheze. Zvyšování práce adheze plazmových nanopovlaků z 0,8 na 1,5 mJ · m-2 tedy zvýšilo sílu krátkého paprsku z 23,1 na 45,2 MPa. Výsledky potvrdily, že práce adheze je vhodnějším parametrem pro charakterizaci úrovně adheze nanopovlaku ve srovnání s kritickým normálním zatížením.

Use of conventional materials is increasing day by day due to rapid infrastructural growth which increases the cost of materials and increases the cost of construction. Hence utilization of Sugar cane bagasse ash waste materials without causing threat to environment solves the problems of disposal and also can provide economical materials. In this study glass fiber, sugarcane bagasse ash and blast furnace slag were used and cement used for binding purpose. Different mix ratio was prepared to understand the effect of addition of glass fibre on sugar cane bagasse ash based materials under compressive loading. The mix ratio was taken 0.2 to 1.0% for the research work. Blast furnace slag was added 10% to weight of sugar cane bagasse ash. The sample were tested for compressive loading for 7, 14, 28 days respectively. The density is most important parameter of materials. It was observed that the density of materials significantly influences with addition of glass fibre. The density of materials decreases with percentage of glass fiber increase. The density of materials varies between 901.1 kg/m3 to 741.10kg/m3The compressive strength also significantly affected by percentages of glass fibre. The compressive strength ranging 82 kPa to 798 kPa.The compressive strength increases up to certain mix ratio then decrease continuously. The stiffness of sugar cane bagasse ash specimens reinforced with glass fiber at cement 20% more than 15% and 10%.The stiffness also increase with the curing period. The maximum load was observed at 0.6% mix ratio. The stress strain behavior was observed to be nonlinear.

Use of conventional materials is increasing day by day due to rapid infrastructural growth which increases the cost of materials and increases the cost of construction. Hence utilization of Sugar cane bagasse ash waste materials without causing threat to environment solves the problems of disposal and also can provide economical materials. In this study glass fiber, sugarcane bagasse ash and blast furnace slag were used and cement used for binding purpose. Different mix ratio was prepared to understand the effect of addition of glass fibre on sugar cane bagasse ash based materials under compressive loading. The mix ratio was taken 0.2 to 1.0% for the research work. Blast furnace slag was added 10% to weight of sugar cane bagasse ash. The sample were tested for compressive loading for 7, 14, 28 days respectively. The density is most important parameter of materials. It was observed that the density of materials significantly influences with addition of glass fibre. The density of materials decreases with percentage of glass fiber increase. The density of materials varies between 901.1 kg/m3 to 741.10kg/m3The compressive strength also significantly affected by percentages of glass fibre. The compressive strength ranging 82 kPa to 798 kPa.The compressive strength increases up to certain mix ratio then decrease continuously. The stiffness of sugar cane bagasse ash specimens reinforced with glass fiber at cement 20% more than 15% and 10%.The stiffness also increase with the curing period. The maximum load was observed at 0.6% mix ratio. The stress strain behavior was observed to be nonlinear.

Use of conventional materials is increasing day by day due to rapid infrastructural growth which increases the cost of materials and increases the cost of construction. Hence utilization of Sugar cane bagasse ash waste materials without causing threat to environment solves the problems of disposal and also can provide economical materials. In this study glass fiber, sugarcane bagasse ash and blast furnace slag were used and cement used for binding purpose. Different mix ratio was prepared to understand the effect of addition of glass fibre on sugar cane bagasse ash based materials under compressive loading. The mix ratio was taken 0.2 to 1.0% for the research work. Blast furnace slag was added 10% to weight of sugar cane bagasse ash. The sample were tested for compressive loading for 7, 14, 28 days respectively. The density is most important parameter of materials. It was observed that the density of materials significantly influences with addition of glass fibre. The density of materials decreases with percentage of glass fiber increase. The density of materials varies between 901.1 kg/m3 to 741.10kg/m3The compressive strength also significantly affected by percentages of glass fibre. The compressive strength ranging 82 kPa to 798 kPa.The compressive strength increases up to certain mix ratio then decrease continuously. The stiffness of sugar cane bagasse ash specimens reinforced with glass fiber at cement 20% more than 15% and 10%.The stiffness also increase with the curing period. The maximum load was observed at 0.6% mix ratio. The stress strain behavior was observed to be nonlinear.

This bachelor final thesis contains the development of a hydrofoil kit to be installed in an International Europe Class dinghy. It includes an aerodynamics and hydrodynamics theoretical introduction, as well as a general overview of hydrofoil technology. The thesis follows with the sizing of foiling surfaces through a mathematical study based on the appropriate aerodynamics concepts. The results are validated using the XFLR5 software. Then, the modelling process of the system and control mechanism is shown. Finally, a prototype of the concept is manufactured to demonstrate the viability of the project. The author of this thesis intends to enhance the performance of the International Europe Class dinghy and raise it to the level of foiling dinghies available in the market.

A study has been made of mineral admixtures, such as ultra-fine Fly-ash and Metakoalin, and glass fibers and polypropylene fibers, to produce high performance Concrete. Glass fiber is maintained stable by volume by 0.25 percent by cement content in varying fractions (0.5 percent, 0.75 percent & 1.0 percent) and polypropylene fiber. SP 430 is applied to the concrete mix to ensure greater workability. The grade of concrete M70 is used. The cubes, cylinders and beams are casted for different water cement ratios of 0.275%, 0.30% and 1.00%. The strength tests are carried out for 14, 28 days and durability tests are carried for 56 days. The Behavior of the HPC specimens in compressive strength, flexure and splitting tensile strength were calculated. Due to the addition of mineral admixture & fiber volume into the mix, it gives very good performance & Suitable for construction.

An attempt has been made to use waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete. Glass fibres are added to the concrete forming fibre- reinforced concrete (FRC), to improve its ability to absorb energy and deformation before failure, and behave as a ductile material. Glass fibres with an aspect ratio of 60 need to be used for improving the impact resistance of the concrete. Plant-based natural fibres are low cost renewable materials which can be found in abundance in many countries. Studies have shown that hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibres helps in improving the properties of concrete. Hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) need to be manufactured by maintaining a constant dosage (1%) of glass fibre and by varying the proportions (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% & 0.6%) of coir fibre. The present work started by determining the basic properties of materials and mix design for M25 was carried out. Mechanical properties of HFRC with WFS have to be studied and optimum dosage of hybrid fibres has to be found. For that optimum dosage, performance evaluation of beam need to be studied.

The increase in service temperature and the use of renewable but also more aggressive biofuels such as biodiesel have remarkably raised demands for the durability of polymer components used in automotive fuel systems. The commonly used aliphatic polyamides (PAs) can here be problematic to use in (bio)diesel systems at high temperature in locations such as fuel pipes and fuel filter housings. In the present work, the ageing behaviour of a new class of easily melt-processable glass fibre-reinforced highly-biobased semi-aromatic polyamides (polyphthalamide, PPA) was investigated in very demanding environments (petroleum diesel (B0) and its commercial blend with 20 vol% biodiesel (B20)) at high temperature. The results showed that the PPA matrix had better barrier properties towards both petroleum and bio-based diesel compared to conventional PA12, as revealed by its lower and slower fuel uptake. The sorbed fuels plasticized the composite, decreasing the glass transition temperature (Tg), with B20 having a larger plasticizing effect on PPA than B0. Notably, the mechanical properties of the PPA composite were not negatively affected even after long exposure to both B0 and B20. This was due to the low level of fuel uptake, high Tg and intact interface between the glass fibres and PPA matrix., QC 20200617

The heat-treated apricot shell can be utilized as coarse aggregates for producing sustainable bio-based lightweight concrete with good compressive strength but poor tensile strength. In order to improve the tensile properties of apricot shell concrete (ASC), the effects of polypropylene (PP) fibre, glass (G) fibre and basalt (B) fibre at various volume fractions (Vf) (0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%) on the performance of ASC were investigated. The results indicated that the fibre type had no significant effect on the physical properties of ASC such as slump, density, water absorption and permeable porosity. However, the slump of ASC decreases with an increase in fibre content. The B fibre has a better improvement in mechanical properties than the PP fibre and G fibre thanks to the better elastic modulus and tensile strength. When the Vf was 0.5%, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of ASC reinforced with B fibre were increased by 16.7%, 29.1%, 29.2%, and 18.1%, respectively, compared to ASC without any fibres. The magnesium sulfate attack results showed that the incorporation of the B fibre decreased the mass loss and compressive strength of ASC exposed to a MgSO4 solution for 6 months because the fibre arrested the microcracks caused by the expansive stress. It is concluded that the mechanical properties of bio-based ASC and its resistance to magnesium sulfate attack can be significantly improved by incorporating 0.5% B fibre.

Synthetic fibre as a reinforcing agent is in use for quite some time in polymer matrix composite (PMC) to produce lightweight materials with improved strength, modulus and stiffness. However, growing environmental impact associated with production, disposal and recycling of synthetic-fibre-based polymer composites trigger the development of eco-friendly composite for various applications such as automotive, marine, chemical, Infrastructure, sporting goods, etc., using natural fibres. There are many types of natural fibres of which kenaf, jute, oil palm, cotton, flax, banana hemp and sisal are gaining attention as they are abundantly available, cheaper, eco-friendly and possess remarkable and satisfactory mechanical properties. Along with natural fibre, hybridisation of natural/synthetic fibres, as well as polymer hybrid composites that are reinforced with various combinations of nanometre-sized carbon and mineral fillers are the focus of interest of researchers to build their applications in the field of engineering and technology. This review article deals with the mechanical properties of PMC with various natural and synthetic fibres. The impact of carbon nanofillers and the existence of synergy between different types of carbon nanofillers are also addressed. Overall, this review paper will provide a guideline to explore recent development in PMC with various reinforcing fibres and their potential applications.

The heat-treated apricot shell can be utilized as coarse aggregates for producing sustainable bio-based lightweight concrete with good compressive strength but poor tensile strength. In order to improve the tensile properties of apricot shell concrete (ASC), the effects of polypropylene (PP) fibre, glass (G) fibre and basalt (B) fibre at various volume fractions (Vf) (0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%) on the performance of ASC were investigated. The results indicated that the fibre type had no significant effect on the physical properties of ASC such as slump, density, water absorption and permeable porosity. However, the slump of ASC decreases with an increase in fibre content. The B fibre has a better improvement in mechanical properties than the PP fibre and G fibre thanks to the better elastic modulus and tensile strength. When the Vf was 0.5%, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of ASC reinforced with B fibre were increased by 16.7%, 29.1%, 29.2%, and 18.1%, respectively, compared to ASC without any fibres. The magnesium sulfate attack results showed that the incorporation of the B fibre decreased the mass loss and compressive strength of ASC exposed to a MgSO4 solution for 6 months because the fibre arrested the microcracks caused by the expansive stress. It is concluded that the mechanical properties of bio-based ASC and its resistance to magnesium sulfate attack can be significantly improved by incorporating 0.5% B fibre.

[ES] En el presente trabajo se propone el empleo de fibras de vidrio como un soporte sólido para reacciones de reconocimiento molecular, en especial interacciones proteínaproteína. Para el presente trabajo se toma como base los estudios previos realizados en el grupo de investigación con la interacción biotina-estreptavidina y se adaptará a un inmunoensayo heterogéneo indirecto típico. Inicialmente, se modificará la hidrofobicidad de superficies de microfibra empleando diversos alquenilsilanos con diversa longitud de cadena, bien sea individualmente o mezclados con un fluoroalquenilsilano a diferentes porcentajes. A continuación, se fijarán a la superficie matrices de gotas de una biotina tiolada mediante la reacción fotoquímica del tiol-eno. Posteriormente se hará reaccionar un anticuerpo policlonal antibiotina de conejo con la biotina tiolada fijada a las superficies por la reacción tiol-eno y, finalmente, se aplicará un anticuerpo secundario anticonejo marcado con Alexa-fluor 647. La imagen de los puntos de fluorescencia obtenidos será apropiadamente tratada para obtener la intensidad, tamaño y SNR (señal sobre ruido) de los mismos. Los resultados nos permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales obtenidas en las diferentes superficies, aumentando la calidad de los puntos según las superficies se vuelven más hidrofóbicas, debido bien al uso de un silano más hidrofóbico (cadena más larga) o bien a la adición del fluoroalquenilsilano. Los valores del ángulo de contacto (WCA), la intensidad de la señal y su SNR nos permitirán comparar diferentes tratamientos y comprobar su viabilidad en procesos de reconocimiento molecular. Los resultados permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales conseguidas en las diferentes superficies examinadas, mostrando cómo estas pueden ser usadas en aplicaciones biológicas., [EN] In this project, the use of glass-fibre based supports is proposed as a solid basement for molecular recognition reactions, specifically, protein-protein interactions. The conducted research is based on previous studies performed by the research group with biotin-streptavidin interactions and were adapted to an indirect heterogenic immunoassay. To begin with, the hydrophobicity of the glass-fibre supports was modified using different alkenylsilanes with different chain lengths, either individually or mixed with a fluoroalkenylsilane at different percentages. Then, at the surface of the supports, arrays of a thiol-biotin derivative were anchored by means of the photochemical click thiol-ene reaction on the surfaces. Following, a polyclonal antibiotin antibody (from rabbit) was spread throughout the surface to bind the previously anchored biotin. Finally, a secondary antibody (antirabbit) tagged with Alexa-fluor 647 was applied. The resulting image of fluorescence was properly treated and analysed on parametters such as intensity, size and SNR (signal to noise ratio). Results allow the study of the effect of hydrophobicity on the obtained signals, increasing the quality of the spots observed on the surfaces as they became more hydrophobic. Whether caused by the use of a long chain silane (more hydrophobic) or because of the addition of the fluoroalkenylsilane. The values of the water contact angles (WCA), the intensity of the signal, and their SNR, enable the comparison between different treatments and the study of their viability as molecular recognition processes. Results allow the comparison of different surface treatments and show their feasibility in biomolecular recognition events., [CA] En el present treball es proposa l'ús de fibres de vidre com un suport sòlid per a reaccions de reconeixement molecular, especialment interaccions proteïna-proteïna. Per al present treball es prenen com a base els estudis previs realitzats en el grup d'investigació amb la interacció biotina-estreptavidina i s'adaptarà a un immunoassaig heterogeni indirecte típic. Inicialment, es modificarà la hidrofobicitat de superfícies de microfibra emprant diversos alquenilsilans amb diversa longitud de cadena, bé siga individualment o barrejats amb un fluoroalquenilsilà a diferents percentatges. A continuació, es fixaran a la superfície matrius de gotes d'una biotina tiolada mitjançant la reacció fotoquímica del tiolalqué. Posteriorment es farà reaccionar un anticòs policlonal antibiotina de conill amb la biotina tiolada fixada a les superfícies per la reacció tiol-alqué i, finalment, s'aplicarà un anticòs secundari anticonill marcat amb Alexa-*fluor 647. La imatge dels punts de fluorescència obtinguts serà apropiadament tractada per a obtindre la intensitat, grandària i SNR (senyal sobre soroll) d'aquests. Els resultats ens permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta a les senyals obtingudes en les diferents superfícies, augmentant la qualitat dels punts segons les superfícies es tornen més hidrofòbiques, degut bé a l'ús d'un silà més hidrofòbic (cadena més llarga) o bé a l'addició del fluoroalquenilsilà. Els valors de l'angle de contacte (WCA), la intensitat del senyal i el seu SNR ens permetran comparar diferents tractaments i comprovar la seua viabilitat en processos de reconeixement molecular. Els resultats permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta als senyals aconseguits en les diferents superfícies examinades, mostrant com aquestes poden ser usades en aplicacions biològiques.

[ES] En el presente trabajo se propone el empleo de fibras de vidrio como un soporte sólido para reacciones de reconocimiento molecular, en especial interacciones proteínaproteína. Para el presente trabajo se toma como base los estudios previos realizados en el grupo de investigación con la interacción biotina-estreptavidina y se adaptará a un inmunoensayo heterogéneo indirecto típico. Inicialmente, se modificará la hidrofobicidad de superficies de microfibra empleando diversos alquenilsilanos con diversa longitud de cadena, bien sea individualmente o mezclados con un fluoroalquenilsilano a diferentes porcentajes. A continuación, se fijarán a la superficie matrices de gotas de una biotina tiolada mediante la reacción fotoquímica del tiol-eno. Posteriormente se hará reaccionar un anticuerpo policlonal antibiotina de conejo con la biotina tiolada fijada a las superficies por la reacción tiol-eno y, finalmente, se aplicará un anticuerpo secundario anticonejo marcado con Alexa-fluor 647. La imagen de los puntos de fluorescencia obtenidos será apropiadamente tratada para obtener la intensidad, tamaño y SNR (señal sobre ruido) de los mismos. Los resultados nos permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales obtenidas en las diferentes superficies, aumentando la calidad de los puntos según las superficies se vuelven más hidrofóbicas, debido bien al uso de un silano más hidrofóbico (cadena más larga) o bien a la adición del fluoroalquenilsilano. Los valores del ángulo de contacto (WCA), la intensidad de la señal y su SNR nos permitirán comparar diferentes tratamientos y comprobar su viabilidad en procesos de reconocimiento molecular. Los resultados permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales conseguidas en las diferentes superficies examinadas, mostrando cómo estas pueden ser usadas en aplicaciones biológicas., [EN] In this project, the use of glass-fibre based supports is proposed as a solid basement for molecular recognition reactions, specifically, protein-protein interactions. The conducted research is based on previous studies performed by the research group with biotin-streptavidin interactions and were adapted to an indirect heterogenic immunoassay. To begin with, the hydrophobicity of the glass-fibre supports was modified using different alkenylsilanes with different chain lengths, either individually or mixed with a fluoroalkenylsilane at different percentages. Then, at the surface of the supports, arrays of a thiol-biotin derivative were anchored by means of the photochemical click thiol-ene reaction on the surfaces. Following, a polyclonal antibiotin antibody (from rabbit) was spread throughout the surface to bind the previously anchored biotin. Finally, a secondary antibody (antirabbit) tagged with Alexa-fluor 647 was applied. The resulting image of fluorescence was properly treated and analysed on parametters such as intensity, size and SNR (signal to noise ratio). Results allow the study of the effect of hydrophobicity on the obtained signals, increasing the quality of the spots observed on the surfaces as they became more hydrophobic. Whether caused by the use of a long chain silane (more hydrophobic) or because of the addition of the fluoroalkenylsilane. The values of the water contact angles (WCA), the intensity of the signal, and their SNR, enable the comparison between different treatments and the study of their viability as molecular recognition processes. Results allow the comparison of different surface treatments and show their feasibility in biomolecular recognition events., [CA] En el present treball es proposa l'ús de fibres de vidre com un suport sòlid per a reaccions de reconeixement molecular, especialment interaccions proteïna-proteïna. Per al present treball es prenen com a base els estudis previs realitzats en el grup d'investigació amb la interacció biotina-estreptavidina i s'adaptarà a un immunoassaig heterogeni indirecte típic. Inicialment, es modificarà la hidrofobicitat de superfícies de microfibra emprant diversos alquenilsilans amb diversa longitud de cadena, bé siga individualment o barrejats amb un fluoroalquenilsilà a diferents percentatges. A continuació, es fixaran a la superfície matrius de gotes d'una biotina tiolada mitjançant la reacció fotoquímica del tiolalqué. Posteriorment es farà reaccionar un anticòs policlonal antibiotina de conill amb la biotina tiolada fixada a les superfícies per la reacció tiol-alqué i, finalment, s'aplicarà un anticòs secundari anticonill marcat amb Alexa-*fluor 647. La imatge dels punts de fluorescència obtinguts serà apropiadament tractada per a obtindre la intensitat, grandària i SNR (senyal sobre soroll) d'aquests. Els resultats ens permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta a les senyals obtingudes en les diferents superfícies, augmentant la qualitat dels punts segons les superfícies es tornen més hidrofòbiques, degut bé a l'ús d'un silà més hidrofòbic (cadena més llarga) o bé a l'addició del fluoroalquenilsilà. Els valors de l'angle de contacte (WCA), la intensitat del senyal i el seu SNR ens permetran comparar diferents tractaments i comprovar la seua viabilitat en processos de reconeixement molecular. Els resultats permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta als senyals aconseguits en les diferents superfícies examinades, mostrant com aquestes poden ser usades en aplicacions biològiques.

[ES] En el presente trabajo se propone el empleo de fibras de vidrio como un soporte sólido para reacciones de reconocimiento molecular, en especial interacciones proteínaproteína. Para el presente trabajo se toma como base los estudios previos realizados en el grupo de investigación con la interacción biotina-estreptavidina y se adaptará a un inmunoensayo heterogéneo indirecto típico. Inicialmente, se modificará la hidrofobicidad de superficies de microfibra empleando diversos alquenilsilanos con diversa longitud de cadena, bien sea individualmente o mezclados con un fluoroalquenilsilano a diferentes porcentajes. A continuación, se fijarán a la superficie matrices de gotas de una biotina tiolada mediante la reacción fotoquímica del tiol-eno. Posteriormente se hará reaccionar un anticuerpo policlonal antibiotina de conejo con la biotina tiolada fijada a las superficies por la reacción tiol-eno y, finalmente, se aplicará un anticuerpo secundario anticonejo marcado con Alexa-fluor 647. La imagen de los puntos de fluorescencia obtenidos será apropiadamente tratada para obtener la intensidad, tamaño y SNR (señal sobre ruido) de los mismos. Los resultados nos permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales obtenidas en las diferentes superficies, aumentando la calidad de los puntos según las superficies se vuelven más hidrofóbicas, debido bien al uso de un silano más hidrofóbico (cadena más larga) o bien a la adición del fluoroalquenilsilano. Los valores del ángulo de contacto (WCA), la intensidad de la señal y su SNR nos permitirán comparar diferentes tratamientos y comprobar su viabilidad en procesos de reconocimiento molecular. Los resultados permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales conseguidas en las diferentes superficies examinadas, mostrando cómo estas pueden ser usadas en aplicaciones biológicas., [EN] In this project, the use of glass-fibre based supports is proposed as a solid basement for molecular recognition reactions, specifically, protein-protein interactions. The conducted research is based on previous studies performed by the research group with biotin-streptavidin interactions and were adapted to an indirect heterogenic immunoassay. To begin with, the hydrophobicity of the glass-fibre supports was modified using different alkenylsilanes with different chain lengths, either individually or mixed with a fluoroalkenylsilane at different percentages. Then, at the surface of the supports, arrays of a thiol-biotin derivative were anchored by means of the photochemical click thiol-ene reaction on the surfaces. Following, a polyclonal antibiotin antibody (from rabbit) was spread throughout the surface to bind the previously anchored biotin. Finally, a secondary antibody (antirabbit) tagged with Alexa-fluor 647 was applied. The resulting image of fluorescence was properly treated and analysed on parametters such as intensity, size and SNR (signal to noise ratio). Results allow the study of the effect of hydrophobicity on the obtained signals, increasing the quality of the spots observed on the surfaces as they became more hydrophobic. Whether caused by the use of a long chain silane (more hydrophobic) or because of the addition of the fluoroalkenylsilane. The values of the water contact angles (WCA), the intensity of the signal, and their SNR, enable the comparison between different treatments and the study of their viability as molecular recognition processes. Results allow the comparison of different surface treatments and show their feasibility in biomolecular recognition events., [CA] En el present treball es proposa l'ús de fibres de vidre com un suport sòlid per a reaccions de reconeixement molecular, especialment interaccions proteïna-proteïna. Per al present treball es prenen com a base els estudis previs realitzats en el grup d'investigació amb la interacció biotina-estreptavidina i s'adaptarà a un immunoassaig heterogeni indirecte típic. Inicialment, es modificarà la hidrofobicitat de superfícies de microfibra emprant diversos alquenilsilans amb diversa longitud de cadena, bé siga individualment o barrejats amb un fluoroalquenilsilà a diferents percentatges. A continuació, es fixaran a la superfície matrius de gotes d'una biotina tiolada mitjançant la reacció fotoquímica del tiolalqué. Posteriorment es farà reaccionar un anticòs policlonal antibiotina de conill amb la biotina tiolada fixada a les superfícies per la reacció tiol-alqué i, finalment, s'aplicarà un anticòs secundari anticonill marcat amb Alexa-*fluor 647. La imatge dels punts de fluorescència obtinguts serà apropiadament tractada per a obtindre la intensitat, grandària i SNR (senyal sobre soroll) d'aquests. Els resultats ens permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta a les senyals obtingudes en les diferents superfícies, augmentant la qualitat dels punts segons les superfícies es tornen més hidrofòbiques, degut bé a l'ús d'un silà més hidrofòbic (cadena més llarga) o bé a l'addició del fluoroalquenilsilà. Els valors de l'angle de contacte (WCA), la intensitat del senyal i el seu SNR ens permetran comparar diferents tractaments i comprovar la seua viabilitat en processos de reconeixement molecular. Els resultats permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta als senyals aconseguits en les diferents superfícies examinades, mostrant com aquestes poden ser usades en aplicacions biològiques.

[ES] En el presente trabajo se propone el empleo de fibras de vidrio como un soporte sólido para reacciones de reconocimiento molecular, en especial interacciones proteínaproteína. Para el presente trabajo se toma como base los estudios previos realizados en el grupo de investigación con la interacción biotina-estreptavidina y se adaptará a un inmunoensayo heterogéneo indirecto típico. Inicialmente, se modificará la hidrofobicidad de superficies de microfibra empleando diversos alquenilsilanos con diversa longitud de cadena, bien sea individualmente o mezclados con un fluoroalquenilsilano a diferentes porcentajes. A continuación, se fijarán a la superficie matrices de gotas de una biotina tiolada mediante la reacción fotoquímica del tiol-eno. Posteriormente se hará reaccionar un anticuerpo policlonal antibiotina de conejo con la biotina tiolada fijada a las superficies por la reacción tiol-eno y, finalmente, se aplicará un anticuerpo secundario anticonejo marcado con Alexa-fluor 647. La imagen de los puntos de fluorescencia obtenidos será apropiadamente tratada para obtener la intensidad, tamaño y SNR (señal sobre ruido) de los mismos. Los resultados nos permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales obtenidas en las diferentes superficies, aumentando la calidad de los puntos según las superficies se vuelven más hidrofóbicas, debido bien al uso de un silano más hidrofóbico (cadena más larga) o bien a la adición del fluoroalquenilsilano. Los valores del ángulo de contacto (WCA), la intensidad de la señal y su SNR nos permitirán comparar diferentes tratamientos y comprobar su viabilidad en procesos de reconocimiento molecular. Los resultados permitirán estudiar cómo la hidrofobicidad afecta a las señales conseguidas en las diferentes superficies examinadas, mostrando cómo estas pueden ser usadas en aplicaciones biológicas., [EN] In this project, the use of glass-fibre based supports is proposed as a solid basement for molecular recognition reactions, specifically, protein-protein interactions. The conducted research is based on previous studies performed by the research group with biotin-streptavidin interactions and were adapted to an indirect heterogenic immunoassay. To begin with, the hydrophobicity of the glass-fibre supports was modified using different alkenylsilanes with different chain lengths, either individually or mixed with a fluoroalkenylsilane at different percentages. Then, at the surface of the supports, arrays of a thiol-biotin derivative were anchored by means of the photochemical click thiol-ene reaction on the surfaces. Following, a polyclonal antibiotin antibody (from rabbit) was spread throughout the surface to bind the previously anchored biotin. Finally, a secondary antibody (antirabbit) tagged with Alexa-fluor 647 was applied. The resulting image of fluorescence was properly treated and analysed on parametters such as intensity, size and SNR (signal to noise ratio). Results allow the study of the effect of hydrophobicity on the obtained signals, increasing the quality of the spots observed on the surfaces as they became more hydrophobic. Whether caused by the use of a long chain silane (more hydrophobic) or because of the addition of the fluoroalkenylsilane. The values of the water contact angles (WCA), the intensity of the signal, and their SNR, enable the comparison between different treatments and the study of their viability as molecular recognition processes. Results allow the comparison of different surface treatments and show their feasibility in biomolecular recognition events., [CA] En el present treball es proposa l'ús de fibres de vidre com un suport sòlid per a reaccions de reconeixement molecular, especialment interaccions proteïna-proteïna. Per al present treball es prenen com a base els estudis previs realitzats en el grup d'investigació amb la interacció biotina-estreptavidina i s'adaptarà a un immunoassaig heterogeni indirecte típic. Inicialment, es modificarà la hidrofobicitat de superfícies de microfibra emprant diversos alquenilsilans amb diversa longitud de cadena, bé siga individualment o barrejats amb un fluoroalquenilsilà a diferents percentatges. A continuació, es fixaran a la superfície matrius de gotes d'una biotina tiolada mitjançant la reacció fotoquímica del tiolalqué. Posteriorment es farà reaccionar un anticòs policlonal antibiotina de conill amb la biotina tiolada fixada a les superfícies per la reacció tiol-alqué i, finalment, s'aplicarà un anticòs secundari anticonill marcat amb Alexa-*fluor 647. La imatge dels punts de fluorescència obtinguts serà apropiadament tractada per a obtindre la intensitat, grandària i SNR (senyal sobre soroll) d'aquests. Els resultats ens permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta a les senyals obtingudes en les diferents superfícies, augmentant la qualitat dels punts segons les superfícies es tornen més hidrofòbiques, degut bé a l'ús d'un silà més hidrofòbic (cadena més llarga) o bé a l'addició del fluoroalquenilsilà. Els valors de l'angle de contacte (WCA), la intensitat del senyal i el seu SNR ens permetran comparar diferents tractaments i comprovar la seua viabilitat en processos de reconeixement molecular. Els resultats permetran estudiar com la hidrofobicitat afecta als senyals aconseguits en les diferents superfícies examinades, mostrant com aquestes poden ser usades en aplicacions biològiques.

Increasing infrastructural needs have been creating huge stress on available natural resources leading to environmental deterioration. In a developing nation like India, concrete is a commonly adopted material in major infrastructure projects. Environmental burdens associated with the manufacture and processing of raw materials for concrete are enormous. The major impact associated with concrete production is carbon dioxide gas emission during cement manufacturing and the depletion of natural resources for aggregate production. These environmental issues have paved the way for adopting eco-friendly materials and techniques in concrete production. Industrial by-products such as fly ash, blast furnace slag, silica fume, etc., are successfully employed as cement replacements for sustainable concrete production. The present research has been aimed at examining the potential of phosphogypsum, the by-product of the fertilizer industry, as a partial replacement of cement (5, 10, 15 and 20%). The compatibility of phosphogypsum with cement has been initially studied and adopted for the production of M20 concrete. The performance of the processed concrete was analyzed in terms of workability and mechanical properties. Results obtained have proved the potential of phosphogypsum for adaptation as a retarder in concrete production; the optimum replacement was found to be only up to 10%. For enhancing the properties of the concrete, the study has been extended with partial replacement of glass fiber (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) for M20 concrete with phosphogypsum content (5% and 10%) of cement replacement. Obtained results have suggested the suitability of utilizing these nanomaterials (with 1.5% glass fiber and 10% phosphogypsum) for M20 concrete.

Increasing infrastructural needs have been creating huge stress on available natural resources leading to environmental deterioration. In a developing nation like India, concrete is a commonly adopted material in major infrastructure projects. Environmental burdens associated with the manufacture and processing of raw materials for concrete are enormous. The major impact associated with concrete production is carbon dioxide gas emission during cement manufacturing and the depletion of natural resources for aggregate production. These environmental issues have paved the way for adopting eco-friendly materials and techniques in concrete production. Industrial by-products such as fly ash, blast furnace slag, silica fume, etc., are successfully employed as cement replacements for sustainable concrete production. The present research has been aimed at examining the potential of phosphogypsum, the by-product of the fertilizer industry, as a partial replacement of cement (5, 10, 15 and 20%). The compatibility of phosphogypsum with cement has been initially studied and adopted for the production of M20 concrete. The performance of the processed concrete was analyzed in terms of workability and mechanical properties. Results obtained have proved the potential of phosphogypsum for adaptation as a retarder in concrete production; the optimum replacement was found to be only up to 10%. For enhancing the properties of the concrete, the study has been extended with partial replacement of glass fiber (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) for M20 concrete with phosphogypsum content (5% and 10%) of cement replacement. Obtained results have suggested the suitability of utilizing these nanomaterials (with 1.5% glass fiber and 10% phosphogypsum) for M20 concrete.

The first quay walls were constructed in 2400 BC and were constructed with bricks. Since then, the quay walls have developed a lot. The quay walls nowadays are constructed out of steel, concrete or a combination of both materials. An upcoming material in the field of hydraulic engineering is fibre reinforced polymer (FRP). FRP has several advantages such as the low weight to strength ratio. Bridges and lock gates have already been constructed out of FRP. This thesis is a feasibility study to an FRP quay wall. An FRP quay wall is designed based on a reference project provided by the engineering bureau of Gemeente Rotterdam. CUR96 has been applied as a design guideline. The focus of this feasibility study is the retaining wall. The anchors and superstructure are not included in this study. A variant study has been conducted concerning 4 types of quay walls. The cantilever quay wall, an anchored quay wall, an L-wall and a caisson. For each of the variants a preliminary design has been made. As a result of the variant study the anchored quay wall is proven to be the most suitable type of quay wall. The maximum allowable deformation is based on the heeling angle and draught of the governing vessel as well as the distance between the moored vessel and quay wall. The quay wall from the case study has been modelled with the program ‘D sheet Piling’. The stiffness of the quay wall has been lowered until the deformation of the quay wall was more or less equal to the maximum deformation. The Young’s modulus of FRP is a static variable while the moment of inertia is a dynamic variable. The moment of inertia depends on the cross section of the quay wall profile. The cross section of the FRP quay wall is similar to Z-profiles used for steel sheet piling. The FRP quay wall consists out of 2 skin laminates, web laminates which connect the skin laminates with one another and foam that fills the space between the skins when no web is present. The foam has no significant mechanical pr, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Hydraulic Engineering, Civil Engineering

The first quay walls were constructed in 2400 BC and were constructed with bricks. Since then, the quay walls have developed a lot. The quay walls nowadays are constructed out of steel, concrete or a combination of both materials. An upcoming material in the field of hydraulic engineering is fibre reinforced polymer (FRP). FRP has several advantages such as the low weight to strength ratio. Bridges and lock gates have already been constructed out of FRP. This thesis is a feasibility study to an FRP quay wall. An FRP quay wall is designed based on a reference project provided by the engineering bureau of Gemeente Rotterdam. CUR96 has been applied as a design guideline. The focus of this feasibility study is the retaining wall. The anchors and superstructure are not included in this study. A variant study has been conducted concerning 4 types of quay walls. The cantilever quay wall, an anchored quay wall, an L-wall and a caisson. For each of the variants a preliminary design has been made. As a result of the variant study the anchored quay wall is proven to be the most suitable type of quay wall. The maximum allowable deformation is based on the heeling angle and draught of the governing vessel as well as the distance between the moored vessel and quay wall. The quay wall from the case study has been modelled with the program ‘D sheet Piling’. The stiffness of the quay wall has been lowered until the deformation of the quay wall was more or less equal to the maximum deformation. The Young’s modulus of FRP is a static variable while the moment of inertia is a dynamic variable. The moment of inertia depends on the cross section of the quay wall profile. The cross section of the FRP quay wall is similar to Z-profiles used for steel sheet piling. The FRP quay wall consists out of 2 skin laminates, web laminates which connect the skin laminates with one another and foam that fills the space between the skins when no web is present. The foam has no significant mechanical pr, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Hydraulic Engineering, Civil Engineering

Nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO)/epoxy filled micron-hollow glass fibres (micron-HGFs) epoxy composite is opening up a new configuration for fibre reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) with enhanced ultraviolet (UV) resistibility. ZnO nanoparticles having intrinsic UV absorbability were introduced into epoxy and nano-ZnO/epoxy was filled into 100 μm HGF by using vacuum infiltration technique. 4 wt.% 100 nm ZnO/epoxy/100 μm HGF epoxy composite was found to have the highest UV absorbability among other samples. The silane surfactant on ZnO nanoparticle (NP) was evaluated and the rheology of nanofluid (NF) was investigated for the UV absorbability of nanocomposite (NC), which the two parameters determine the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles and the polymerization shrinkage of nanocomposite. An optimum concentration and good dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles are aimed to be achieved in order to maximize the UV absorbability of nano-ZnO/epoxy/micron-HGF epoxy composite. The silane surfactant on ZnO nanoparticle was found to be ineffective for UV absorption. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RIVM rapport:Op siliconen borstimplantaten van de fabrikant Silimed zijn deeltjes aangetroffen die daar niet thuishoren. Het betreft onder meer minerale vezels van glaswol en steenwol. Het risico voor de gezondheid van mensen met deze implantaten is minimaal. Voor deze studie zijn 39 borstimplantaten onderzocht van het Braziliaanse bedrijf Silimed, geproduceerd tussen 2009 en 2015. Er zijn ook 12 borstimplantaten van drie andere fabrikanten onderzocht. Op implantaten van één van de andere fabrikanten zijn ook minerale vezels aangetroffen, maar van een andere soort. Er is meer onderzoek noodzakelijk om de gezondheidsrisico's daarvan in te schatten. Aanleiding voor dit onderzoek was de schorsing van het CE-certificaat voor medische hulpmiddelen van Silimed in september 2015. Het bedrijf bleek een verontreiniging met minerale vezels niet te kunnen voorkomen. Europese toezichthouders lieten vervolgens onderzoeken of mensen met verontreinigde implantaten risico lopen. Een internationale groep medische experts zal de Europese toezichthouders adviseren over wat de bevindingen van dit rapport betekenen voor artsen en voor patiënten met deze implantaten., Particles were found on Silimed silicone-based breast implants that should not be there. These included man-made mineral fibres, such as glasswool and rockwool. The risk to the health of people with such implants is minimal. For this study, 39 breast implants were examined manufactured by the Brazilian company Silimed between 2009 and 2015. In addition, 12 breast implants from three other manufacturers were examined. Mineral fibres were also found on implants from one other manufacturer, but of a different type. Additional studies are necessary to assess the health risk analysis for those fibres. The reason for this study was the suspension of the CE certificate for Silimed medical devices in September 2015. The manufacturer was unable to prevent contamination with mineral fibres. European medical device regulators consequently commissioned investigations to examine whether people with contaminated implants were at risk. A team of international medical experts will advise the European healthcare authorities on the implications of the findings for physicians and patients with such implants.

Op siliconen borstimplantaten van de fabrikant Silimed zijn deeltjes aangetroffen die daar niet thuishoren. Het betreft onder meer minerale vezels van glaswol en steenwol. Het risico voor de gezondheid van mensen met deze implantaten is minimaal. Voor deze studie zijn 39 borstimplantaten onderzocht van het Braziliaanse bedrijf Silimed, geproduceerd tussen 2009 en 2015. Er zijn ook 12 borstimplantaten van drie andere fabrikanten onderzocht. Op implantaten van één van de andere fabrikanten zijn ook minerale vezels aangetroffen, maar van een andere soort. Er is meer onderzoek noodzakelijk om de gezondheidsrisico's daarvan in te schatten. Aanleiding voor dit onderzoek was de schorsing van het CE-certificaat voor medische hulpmiddelen van Silimed in september 2015. Het bedrijf bleek een verontreiniging met minerale vezels niet te kunnen voorkomen. Europese toezichthouders lieten vervolgens onderzoeken of mensen met verontreinigde implantaten risico lopen. Een internationale groep medische experts zal de Europese toezichthouders adviseren over wat de bevindingen van dit rapport betekenen voor artsen en voor patiënten met deze implantaten., Particles were found on Silimed silicone-based breast implants that should not be there. These included man-made mineral fibres, such as glasswool and rockwool. The risk to the health of people with such implants is minimal. For this study, 39 breast implants were examined manufactured by the Brazilian company Silimed between 2009 and 2015. In addition, 12 breast implants from three other manufacturers were examined. Mineral fibres were also found on implants from one other manufacturer, but of a different type. Additional studies are necessary to assess the health risk analysis for those fibres. The reason for this study was the suspension of the CE certificate for Silimed medical devices in September 2015. The manufacturer was unable to prevent contamination with mineral fibres. European medical device regulators consequently commissioned investigations to examine whether people with contaminated implants were at risk. A team of international medical experts will advise the European healthcare authorities on the implications of the findings for physicians and patients with such implants.

RIVM rapport:Op siliconen borstimplantaten van de fabrikant Silimed zijn deeltjes aangetroffen die daar niet thuishoren. Het betreft onder meer minerale vezels van glaswol en steenwol. Het risico voor de gezondheid van mensen met deze implantaten is minimaal. Voor deze studie zijn 39 borstimplantaten onderzocht van het Braziliaanse bedrijf Silimed, geproduceerd tussen 2009 en 2015. Er zijn ook 12 borstimplantaten van drie andere fabrikanten onderzocht. Op implantaten van één van de andere fabrikanten zijn ook minerale vezels aangetroffen, maar van een andere soort. Er is meer onderzoek noodzakelijk om de gezondheidsrisico's daarvan in te schatten. Aanleiding voor dit onderzoek was de schorsing van het CE-certificaat voor medische hulpmiddelen van Silimed in september 2015. Het bedrijf bleek een verontreiniging met minerale vezels niet te kunnen voorkomen. Europese toezichthouders lieten vervolgens onderzoeken of mensen met verontreinigde implantaten risico lopen. Een internationale groep medische experts zal de Europese toezichthouders adviseren over wat de bevindingen van dit rapport betekenen voor artsen en voor patiënten met deze implantaten., Particles were found on Silimed silicone-based breast implants that should not be there. These included man-made mineral fibres, such as glasswool and rockwool. The risk to the health of people with such implants is minimal. For this study, 39 breast implants were examined manufactured by the Brazilian company Silimed between 2009 and 2015. In addition, 12 breast implants from three other manufacturers were examined. Mineral fibres were also found on implants from one other manufacturer, but of a different type. Additional studies are necessary to assess the health risk analysis for those fibres. The reason for this study was the suspension of the CE certificate for Silimed medical devices in September 2015. The manufacturer was unable to prevent contamination with mineral fibres. European medical device regulators consequently commissioned investigations to examine whether people with contaminated implants were at risk. A team of international medical experts will advise the European healthcare authorities on the implications of the findings for physicians and patients with such implants.

RIVM rapport:Op siliconen borstimplantaten van de fabrikant Silimed zijn deeltjes aangetroffen die daar niet thuishoren. Het betreft onder meer minerale vezels van glaswol en steenwol. Het risico voor de gezondheid van mensen met deze implantaten is minimaal. Voor deze studie zijn 39 borstimplantaten onderzocht van het Braziliaanse bedrijf Silimed, geproduceerd tussen 2009 en 2015. Er zijn ook 12 borstimplantaten van drie andere fabrikanten onderzocht. Op implantaten van één van de andere fabrikanten zijn ook minerale vezels aangetroffen, maar van een andere soort. Er is meer onderzoek noodzakelijk om de gezondheidsrisico's daarvan in te schatten. Aanleiding voor dit onderzoek was de schorsing van het CE-certificaat voor medische hulpmiddelen van Silimed in september 2015. Het bedrijf bleek een verontreiniging met minerale vezels niet te kunnen voorkomen. Europese toezichthouders lieten vervolgens onderzoeken of mensen met verontreinigde implantaten risico lopen. Een internationale groep medische experts zal de Europese toezichthouders adviseren over wat de bevindingen van dit rapport betekenen voor artsen en voor patiënten met deze implantaten., Particles were found on Silimed silicone-based breast implants that should not be there. These included man-made mineral fibres, such as glasswool and rockwool. The risk to the health of people with such implants is minimal. For this study, 39 breast implants were examined manufactured by the Brazilian company Silimed between 2009 and 2015. In addition, 12 breast implants from three other manufacturers were examined. Mineral fibres were also found on implants from one other manufacturer, but of a different type. Additional studies are necessary to assess the health risk analysis for those fibres. The reason for this study was the suspension of the CE certificate for Silimed medical devices in September 2015. The manufacturer was unable to prevent contamination with mineral fibres. European medical device regulators consequently commissioned investigations to examine whether people with contaminated implants were at risk. A team of international medical experts will advise the European healthcare authorities on the implications of the findings for physicians and patients with such implants.

Glass fibre-reinforced polymer composites are often used in corrosive environments. However, the material can suffer from loss of mechanical durability as a result of an attack of the media. In order to protect the structural bearing laminate, the composites are segmented in different levels, the structural layer and the corrosion barrier layer, each containing a higher or lower percentage of glass fibre and thereby holds varying durability towards chemical attacks. This work applies the total focusing method, a delay-and-sum beamformer technique based on the full matrix capture, a routine that provides a complete set of time series from an array. Glass fibre-reinforced composites have directional dependent properties and high attenuation, complicating the modelling of ultrasonic propagation. In the project described in this thesis, pulse-echo measurement and phased arrays are used to estimate the thickness of the corrosion barriers, before and after, exposure to acid in high temperatures. A filter prior to imaging is designed to project the received phased array data onto a theoretical surface subspace. Experiments showed that the corrosion barrier thickness was measurable, when the laminas were sufficiently separated in the structural layer, no traces of the penetrated acid could be detected., Validerat; 20151104 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The present paper investigates Bio-based fibre-reinforced plastics, used as a load-bearing element of a bridge. We aim to increase the renewable content and decreasing the embodied energy of FRP. To achieve that, the consisting raw materials of these plastics which are based on non-renewable resources, are substituted by alternative less energy intensive materials produced from biological renewable resources. The research focuses on the potentials of natural fibres for a successful substitution of artificial fibres used as reinforcement in load-bearing polymer composites, while bio-based resins and natural core materials are analysed as well. The result of the research is applied on a real case scenario of a lightweight structure, a pedestrian bridge in Schiphol Logistics Park, a logistics zone under development adjacent to Amsterdam’s International Airport., Architectural Engineering +Technology, Architecture and The Built Environment

The present paper investigates Bio-based fibre-reinforced plastics, used as a load-bearing element of a bridge. We aim to increase the renewable content and decreasing the embodied energy of FRP. To achieve that, the consisting raw materials of these plastics which are based on non-renewable resources, are substituted by alternative less energy intensive materials produced from biological renewable resources. The research focuses on the potentials of natural fibres for a successful substitution of artificial fibres used as reinforcement in load-bearing polymer composites, while bio-based resins and natural core materials are analysed as well. The result of the research is applied on a real case scenario of a lightweight structure, a pedestrian bridge in Schiphol Logistics Park, a logistics zone under development adjacent to Amsterdam’s International Airport., Architectural Engineering +Technology, Architecture and The Built Environment

Multi-layered glass and carbon-reinforced polymer composites may exhibit unique properties comparatively with the benchmark, proven they are being tailored bounded by several requirements. The paper herein approaches issues on the influence of the various contents and orientation of UD carbon fibre constitutive on the mechanical, dynamical and thermal expansion if embedded along with glass fibres in different stacking sequencing within an unsaturated polymer resin. The results show that the architectures with the highest content of carbon fibres (e.g. GF:CF(60:40) 0 and 90 ) provide the best tensile and flexural properties, and behave better under dynamical loading conditions and temperature variations, no matter the orientation directions. In addition, it was shown that a thorough understanding can be attained, with respect to the UD carbon fibre content, and different orientations influence on the overall composite material properties, taking into account the data retrieved from dynamical and thermal expansion runs.