The Potential of Bio/Petro Polymeric Based Functionally Graded Porous Composites for Structural Applications

Functionally graded (FG) materials owe their advantage over conventional composites to the continuous microstructure that eliminates many problems like delamination and stress jumps. Functionally graded porous structures have the added advantage of significant weight reduction while maintaining comparable strength to the solid precursor. Polymeric FG materials are advantageous over metals and ceramics due to the ease of fabrication and low cost of infrastructures and maintenance. Sohar industry produces a variety of petroleum-based thermoplastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These polymers are already in-use for many industrial applications but mostly in combination with other polymers or fillers. This work will focus on studying the potential of the three locally-produced polymers for structural applications in the form of FG porous composite structures. The fibers of palm tree trunk will be used as a reinforcement filler. The FG porous structures will be fabricated by one-stage physical foaming procedure using N2 as the blowing agent. Successful completion of this project will make it possible to develop products locally than exporting the raw materials and then buy them as final products.

Functionally graded (FG) materials owe their advantage over conventional composites to the continuous microstructure that eliminates many problems like delamination and stress jumps. Functionally graded porous structures have the added advantage of significant weight reduction while maintaining comparable strength to the solid precursor. Polymeric FG materials are advantageous over metals and ceramics due to the ease of fabrication and low cost of infrastructures and maintenance. Sohar industry produces a variety of petroleum-based thermoplastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These polymers are already in-use for many industrial applications but mostly in combination with other polymers or fillers. This work will focus on studying the potential of the three locally-produced polymers for structural applications in the form of FG porous composite structures. The fibers of palm tree trunk will be used as a reinforcement filler. The FG porous structures will be fabricated by one-stage physical foaming procedure using N2 as the blowing agent. Successful completion of this project will make it possible to develop products locally than exporting the raw materials and then buy them as final products.