Long-Term Performance of CFRP Bonded Steel Subjected to Marine and Temperature Exposure

Abstract

Carbon fiber–reinforced polymers (CFRPs) deliver positive outcomes compared with traditional steel retrofitting techniques. This study aims to determine the effect of underwater exposure condition and different temperatures along with the exposure duration on the performance of the CFRP/steel bond. A series of experimental investigations were conducted for CFRP strengthened steel test coupons subjected various exposure conditions for a period 300 days. Specimens were subjected to various environmental conditions, including (1) distilled water at room temperature, 20°C, and 35°C, and (2) natural seawater at room temperature, 20°C, and 35°C. Tensile tests were conducted out to determine the bond strength and failure patterns of the composite at 75-day regular intervals for a duration of 300 days. Noticeable reductions in bond strength were recorded for all specimens after environmental aging when compared with that of the initial. Prolonged exposure to higher temperatures exhibited the greatest decline of 48%, whereas that under lower temperatures were affected to a lower degree. Overall, the failure modes showed the impact of the adhesive strength on the composite joint capacity.