Description

This technology optimizes the Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) pultrusion process by incorporating an ultrasounds heating system for the development of ground-breaking TPC rods for rehabilitations, strengthening and protection of concrete structures. These corrosion-resistant rods will provide high tensile strength to avoid damage and make stronger structures, improve serviceability, or reduce construction defects. The TPC is composed of a high performance thermoplastic matrix such as polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK) for the matrix, with carbon fibre (CF) as reinforcement.

Advantages

The major advantages of the PULTROD project are:

  • Sustainable material: The TPC is 100% recyclable, so after its useful life could be used as raw material in thermoplastic processes such as injection molding or extrusion. Also, the thermoplastic composite pultrusion is 100% VOC emission-free.
  • Low weight: The obtained rods will have similar or even greater mechanical properties thanthan those of steel, with a weight reduction of up to 70%.
  • Re-shapeable: They can be handled at the construction site with the correct tools to get the desired shape in each case.
  • Energy efficient process: the ultrasonic heating system will be used in order to reduce the energy contribution that that polymer requires to be melted and take the rod shape. This technology will help in reducing or eliminating the prior pre-heating in an oven.

Applications

Our MicroPultrusion technology aims at producing and implementing in he market a new generation of Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) rods with high mechanical properties and other advantages such as re-shapeability and recyclability. These innovative rods will be designed especially to be used in the repairing, strengthening and protecting of concrete structures in bridges, office buildings, residences, factories and warehouses. Also, these rods can be used in other types of constructions where steel is not competitive enough, such as marine environments or installations with magnetic interference.