Graphene oxide coated fibres for improved chemical resistance of FRP

Glass fibre reinforced plastics (FRP, sometimes called GFRP) and dual laminates (FRP with thermoplastic liner) are used extensively within the chemical and process industries. FRP is an excellent choice in a wide range of environments but is vulnerable to hydrofluoric (HF) acid, even at low concentrations (<10%), which is an environment commonly found in steel pickling processes and in the manufacturing of fertilizers. The glass fibres of FRP are especially sensitive when exposed to HF and are rapidly etched away. The same goes for dual laminaters were the HF diffuse into the fibre backing and attack the fibres, resulting in e.g. delaminations. In previous work it has be shown that carbon fibres are resistant to HF degradation. 

The aim of this project is to assess the possibility of improving the chemical resistance against HF of commonly used fibre veils, mats and fibre backing in dual laminates by modifying the surface with graphene oxide (GO).