Nanostructured fibers for the fabrication of hierarchical thermoplastic composites

Flexpipe, the industrial sponsor, is recognized as a global leader in the production of fully organic reinforced thermoplastic pipelines (RTPs). Flexpipe is currently offering non-metallic, non-bonded spoolable fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite linepipes with a maximum service rating of up to 82 °C and up to 1500 psi, for high-temperature fluid transportation, CO2 injection and other corrosive, high-pressure applications. It takes advantage of a multi-layered single-polymer pipe design, comprising on an inner HDPE liner, a glass fiber reinforced HDPE composite as the reinforcement, and an outer HDPE jacket. In order to capitalize on an emerging competitive global market, Flexpipe is interested in the development of permeation resistant RTPs which have the ability to store and transport harmful chemicals at increased temperature and pressure ratings. One such example is for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) which involves the transportation of CO2 from point sources to useful applications. Safe transportation of hydrocarbons and H2S by drastically limiting their permeation through RTPs to the environment is also highly desirable to Flexpipe and their customers. This proposal aims to establish a technology to coat reinforcing fibers with nanoparticles and develop hierarchically reinforced thermoplastics with the goal of improving the mechanical strength, creep and fatigue resistance of composites used in the production of RTPs. This program is designed to integrate with and support concurrent research being conducted by Flexpipe and their technical partners.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hani Naguib

Student:

Partner:

Flexpipe

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: