Bachelor and Master Thesis
Description:
The use of plant-based natural fibres will be beneficial for the development of environmentally-friendly composite materials with high energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint. Natural fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites (i.e. flax fabric) have the potential to be used as strengthening or reinforcing systems for concrete structures. In FRP-concrete hybrid structures, the stress transfer from the concrete to the FRP component is via their interface, thus, the integrity of the hybrid structure is highly dependent on the quality of FRP and concrete interfacial bond. How to improve FRP and concrete interfacial bond strength becomes a critical issue to improve the short-term mechanical performance and long-term durability. In this study, nano-particles such as carbon nanotubes and graphene are incorporated into the FRP, concrete and their interface in order to improve their overall structural performance and their interfacial bond. This bachelor thesis will investigate the effects of nano-particles on microstructure, interfacial bond and mechanical properties of FRP-concrete hybrid structures.
The tasks include:
Expected:
Knowledge of material science and civil engineering; Basic knowledge of different testing machines mentioned above; English language - communication skills; Self-motivation
The final thesis report can be written in English or in German. Because the mentor mainly speaks English, it is most useful for the student, to speak at least some English.
Contact: Apl. Prof. Dr. Libo Yan, l.yan(at)tu-bs.de