Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Lower Gas Permeability for Liner Polyethylene in Fiber Reinforced Pipes (FRPs) – Year two

Permeation of CO2 gas through the inner layer in multi-layer fiber reinforced pipes (FRPs) destructively reduces pipe
durability. FRPs generally consist of three or more layers of polymer and reinforcing fibers. Gas permeation thorough
the polymer layer and its accumulation in reinforcing layer leads to pipe failure during depressurizing cycles. Using clay
nano-platelet can lead to decrease gas permeability in polymer layers. Good dispersion and good adhesion between
clay nano-layers and polymer are key features for optimization of gas permeability. This study will focus on optimizing
polyethylene (PE)/clay composites to reduce gas permeability in PE-liner. Other objectives of this research study are
using polymer blends and cross-linked PE for developing composite pipes with enhanced mechanical properties at
elevated temperatures and high pressures. Polymer modification and optimization of processing condition will be
further investigated in this research study.

Faculty Supervisor:

Uttandaraman Sundararaj

Student:

Mehdi Mahmoodi

Partner:

Flexpipe Systems

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

University of Calgary