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Project Outline
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This research project investigates the ageing of thermoplastic materials due to chemicals (H2S, CO2 and aromatic hydrocarbons), pressure and thermal loadings. The selected materials will be subjected to a series of chemical and thermal conditions, followed by diagnostic analysis in order to determine the ageing of polymers and detect failures, if any.
The objective of the first part of this research is to quantify gas permeation through polyethylene structures under certain conditions and analyse alterations in mechanical and chemical properties. The later part of this research focuses on the relationship between detectable parameters using non-destructive ultrasonic tests, such as elasticity and bulk density, and alterable properties of polyethylene due to ageing, such as crystallinity, antioxidant and micro-fractures content.
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