Influence of temperature on the adhesion of fibre reinforced polymers to timber surface

Abstract

Carbon and glass fibre reinforced polymer composites are being increasingly used in timber structures, where they can be exposed to harsh temperature conditions. In order to be properly used, information is needed on their adhesion to the substrate. The objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of temperatures between 20 and 80 ºC on the adhesion of these reinforcements to the wood. The shear test of adhesive line and pull-off test of the reinforcement from wood surface were carried out using specimens made of Pinus spp. The results demonstrated that temperature causes the nonlinear reduction of the reinforcement adhesion. The specimens exposed to a temperature of 80 °C presented residual bond strength means of 34% and 20% of the mean strength at room temperature for CFRP and for GFRP, respectively. Caution in using the applied resins is required due to the presented behaviour even in the service temperature range specified by the manufacturers.