SARATOV, November 28. /TASS/. Scientists of the Gagarin Saratov State Technical University developed a technology to improve composite materials to be used in the harsh Arctic climate, press service of the Ministry of Education and Science told TASS.
The technology may be used, for example, in production of offshore ice-resistant platforms, pipelines, storage tanks for technical liquids and fuel.
"Polymer composite materials are widely used in aircraft engineering, spacecraft engineering, energy, construction and in other strategically important industries. However, such materials often get brittle at low temperatures, lose their performance properties and may collapse. Our technology offers durable and heat-resistant composites that retain their bearing capacity over a wide temperature range. These unique materials may be used in the Arctic conditions - they can withstand temperature fluctuations from minus 50 to plus 50 degrees Celsius," the press service quoted one of the project authors, Irina Zlobina, as saying.
About the technology
The main problem in using polymers as binders for composites is their insufficient compatibility with reinforcing materials, especially those with carbon fibers, scientists say, explaining that pores and voids lead to a decrease in strength and stiffness. Another factor against their use is the high cost.
The university scientists initiated using the strengthening technology of microwave processing for composites based on thermoplastics, in particular polyamide. In this case, 3D printing may be used to make objects from them, thus the production would be rather quick, the press service explained.
The researchers found that the tensile strength of prototypes that underwent microwave treatment increased by an average of 12%. At low temperatures, the samples' bending strength decreases by 4-10%. These results were based on microstructure compaction, the press service added.