TY - JOUR A1 - Rodricks, Carol Winnifred A1 - Prockat, Annabell A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Novel Recyclable Hierarchical Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites: Preserving Fiber Length and Orientation Using Elium N2 - Current recycling methods for polymer matrix composites produce short, unoriented carbon fibers, limiting their use to intermediate‐strength applications. A method is therefore needed to recycle fibers while preserving their original length and orientation, enabling a circular economy for carbon fiber composites. This study proposes a novel hierarchical composite designed to retain fiber length and orientation during recycling. Virgin carbon fibers are encased in an insoluble epoxy matrix to form tapes that act as the primary units of the structure. The primary tape matrix shields the fibers from chemical degradation while preserving their alignment throughout recycling. The tapes are then embedded in a secondary recyclable matrix, Elium, a thermoplastic polymer soluble in acetone with mechanical properties comparable to epoxy. The composite is recycled by dissolving the secondary Elium matrix in acetone and recovering the primary tape units with intact fiber length and orientation. The primary units can then be used to assemble new composites. In this study, hierarchical composite laminates underwent recycling up to three times. Their mechanical properties were assessed after each cycle. Laminates with an Elium secondary matrix retained 60%–90% of the mechanical performance of epoxy‐based laminates. Minimal degradation was observed between cycles, and fiber length, orientation, and volume fraction were fully preserved. Pushout tests confirmed that fibers in the primary tapes were sufficiently shielded during the recycling process. These results validate the feasibility of a hierarchical recyclable composite that combines recyclability with high mechanical performance, serving as a proof of concept and providing opportunities for future development. KW - Review KW - Interface KW - Micromechanics KW - Polymer matrix composites KW - Glass fibre reinforced composites PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-655276 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.70869 SN - 0272-8397 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Wiley Periodicals LLC. AN - OPUS4-65527 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Valentini, Martino A1 - De Almeida, Olivier A1 - Kakkonen, Markus A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Dorigato, Andrea A1 - Kallio, Pasi A1 - Fredi, Giulia T1 - Effect of fiber surface state on the thermomechanical and interfacial properties of in situ polymerized polyamide 6/basalt fiber composites N2 - This study investigates the thermomechanical properties and interfacial adhesion of novel in-situ polymerized anionic polyamide 6 (aPA6) composites reinforced with basalt fibers (BF). The impact of different BF surface states - as-received (BFa), ethanol-washed (BFw), and thermally desized (BFu) on composite performance is examined through a comprehensive approach. For the first time, anionic PA6/BF composites with very low residual monomer content were successfully produced via thermoplastic resin transfer molding (tRTM). The PA6/BFw composites exhibited the highest interlaminar/interfacial shear strength in short beam shear test (52 ±8 MPa) and fiber push out test (34 ± 11 MPa) tests. Fiber microdebonding test, performed only on PA6/BFw, yielded a low interfacial shear strength (12 ± 4 MPa), which was attributed to droplet porosity resulting from concurrent polymerization and crystallization. Thermal desizing significantly deteriorated interfacial strength (19.6 ± 1.2 MPa in short beam shear test). This multi-technique characterization provides insights into optimizing the fiber–matrix adhesion in these advanced thermoplastic composites. KW - Anionic Polyamide 6 KW - Reactive thermoplastics KW - Basalt fibers KW - Microdebonding KW - Fiber push out KW - Short beam shear test PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-623596 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2024.108681 SN - 1878-5840 VL - 190 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-62359 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Rodricks, Carol T1 - Recyclable or One-Way Composites? Evaluating the Durability of Elium vs. Epoxy Glass Fibre Composites N2 - Fibre-reinforced polymers are widely used, particularly in lightweight construction, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and versatility. The expansion of wind turbines calls for ever-lighter materials, and polymer matrix composites are well-positioned to meet this need, offering the necessary strength and long-term durability with reduced weight. However, conventional thermoset composites, such as epoxy-based systems, pose significant recycling challenges as they cannot be easily reprocessed or remoulded. A promising alternative is Elium, a novel thermoplastic resin that offers mechanical properties similar to thermoset polymers while providing the added benefit of chemical recyclability through solvolysis in acetone. This raises an important question: can a recyclable Elium composite match or even surpass the durability of a conventional epoxy composite, particularly in demanding structural applications? In our study, we compare the fatigue performance of Elium (191SA, 151-XO) glass fibre composites to conventional epoxy (RIMR 135, RIMH 137) glass fibre composites. Results indicate that Elium composites demonstrate superior fatigue resistance compared to their epoxy counterparts. The combination of enhanced fatigue durability and chemical recyclability highlights the potential of Elium composites as a sustainable alternative to conventional epoxy-based systems for long-term structural applications. T2 - Materials Week 2025 CY - Frankfurt am Main, Germany DA - 02.04.2025 KW - Polymer matrix composites KW - Recycling KW - Elium KW - Fatigue performance PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-62936 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Rodricks, Carol T1 - Advancing Sustainable Composites: Challenges and innovations N2 - With the increased use of carbon fibre polymer matrix composites comes the important question of their management at the end of their life cycle. Given the high costs associated with carbon fibre production, recycling carbon fibres from composite waste is a desirable source of reinforcing fibres for new applications. However, current recycling methods result in recycled carbon fibres that are short with little to no orientation which can only be used in applications requiring intermediate strength at a fraction of the potential of the continuous, aligned virgin fibres. Thus, a method to recycle fibres with their original length and orientation intact is vital to truly realising a circular economy for carbon fibre polymer composites. Our research introduces a novel hierarchical composite aimed at preserving the length and orientation of carbon fibres on recycling. Virgin carbon fibres are encapsulated in an insoluble epoxy matrix to form tapes that serve as the primary units of the hierarchical structure. The primary epoxy matrix protects the fibres from chemical and environmental elements while maintaining their permanent orientation. The primary tape units are subsequently embedded in a secondary recyclable matrix polymer to make larger composite structures. Elium, a thermoplastic that dissolves in acetone and has mechanical properties comparable to epoxy, was chosen as the secondary matrix of choice in this study. This approach aims to achieve a composite that is mechanical equivalent to thermoset composites while facilitating easy recycling with minimal impact on the fibres in the primary unit. T2 - Materials Week 2025 CY - Frankfurt am Main, Germany DA - 02.04.25 KW - Recycling KW - Carbon fibres KW - Mechanical testing KW - Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs), micromechanics KW - Elium PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63004 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Nguyen, Ngoc Tam Thi T1 - Reinventing Piping for Hydrogen Applications – A Composite Approach N2 - A key step towards achieving climate neutrality in the European Union (EU) by 2050 is the transition to renewable energy sources. Green hydrogen plays a central role in this shift but remains costly, particularly through the utilization of PEM electrolysis. Currently, around 50% of the costs associated with electrolyser systems are attributed to system peripherals, underscoring the potential for cost savings through standardization and the use of cost-effective materials [Tja17, IRE20]. In the collaborative project "PolyH2Pipe", the Institute of Plastics Processing in Industry and Craft (IKV), the Welding and Joining Institute (ISF) and BAM Division 5.3 are developing media-carrying pipe systems made of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (TP-FR) for hydrogen applications. The project aims to design these pipes, develop suitable joining techniques and validate the requirements for these piping systems. This research initiative serves as a foundational basis for the subsequent market introduction of large-scale TP-FR pipe systems for electrolysers and fuel cell systems. Initial test results will be presented as a part of the talk during the colloquium. T2 - H2Safety Colloquium - Materials compatibility and properties CY - Online meeting DA - 14.05.2025 KW - Hydrogen KW - Polymer Matrix Composites KW - Electrolyser KW - Piping PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63134 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Nguyen, Ngoc Tam Thi T1 - Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) piping for hydrogen applications N2 - A significant step towards achieving climate neutrality in the European Union (EU) by 2050 is the conversion of the energy supply to renewable energy sources. The availability of hydrogen (H₂) as a flexible energy source in sufficient quantities is currently a central challenge. At present, hydrogen is mainly produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas, while water electrolysis only contributes 4% of total production. Less than 0.1 % of global production comes from renewable energy sources [IRE20, NN17]. Compared to the production of grey hydrogen, the production of green hydrogen with PEM electrolysers is still associated with high costs. Reducing the procurement and production costs of PEM electrolysers is therefore a key factor in realising the goals of the EU's hydrogen strategy. Around 50 % of the system costs are attributable to the system peripherals, meaning that savings can be achieved through the standardisation of system components and the use of more cost-efficient materials [Tja17, IRE20]. Currently, cost-intensive steel materials are used to guide media systems and cooling circuits in the plant periphery. Substitution by polymer materials offers a high cost-saving potential due to automated production processes and simple joining techniques. In the collaborative project ‘PolyH2Pipe’, which is being carried out by the Institute of Plastics Processing in Industry and Craft (IKV), the Welding and Joining Institute (ISF) and BAM-5.3, continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic (TP-FR) pipe systems are being designed, joining techniques developed and the requirements for the media piping validated. The objective of the research project is to conduct preparatory measures to initiate market launch activities for large-scale production of TP-FR media pipes for H2 electrolyser and fuel cell systems. In the context of the poster presentation, the overarching project and the BAM sub-project will be presented with initial test results. T2 - 29. Nationales SAMPE Symposium CY - Aachen, Germany DA - 02.04.2025 KW - Hydrogen KW - Polymer Matrix Composites KW - Electrolyser KW - Piping PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63133 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schraa, Lucas A1 - Rodricks, Carol A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Roetsch, Karl A1 - Scheffler, Christina A1 - Sambale, Anna A1 - Uhlig, Kai A1 - Stommel, Markus A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Characterisation and Modelling of the Fibre-Matrix Interface of Short Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics using the Push-Out Technique N2 - This study investigates the suitability of the single fibre push-out (SFPO) test for the determination of the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of injection moulded short fibre reinforced thermoplastics. It includes a detailed description of the required sample preparation steps and the boundary conditions of the SFPO setup. Experimental SFPO tests were carried out on PA66 GF, PPA GF35 and PA6 GF50 materials. Furthermore, a finite element model was set up to simulate the behaviour of these materials during this test. The numerical results showed that the inhomogeneous stress distribution in the fibre-matrix interphase during the test causes the measured apparent IFSS to underestimate the true strength of the interphase. The simulations put the experimental results into perspective and provide valuable information for the further development of the test setup. This study therefore not only provides new insights into the interphase strength of injection moulded short fibre reinforced thermoplastics, but also an insight into local load conditions during testing and thus an indication of the true IFSS. KW - GFRP KW - Interface KW - fibre matrix bond KW - single fibre push-out PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-626087 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112317 SN - 1879-1069 VL - 297 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-62608 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schilling, Markus A1 - Marschall, Niklas A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Modernizing FNCT data handling in polymer labs: Towards efficient management N2 - A streamlined Python-based workflow for transforming Full-Notch Creep Test (FNCT) data into organized, machine-actionable formats is presented. The workflow automates the conversion of raw FNCT data from classic CSV and Excel files into structured outputs that facilitate future semantic integration. Emphasizing practical data handling, the approach includes automation scripts for efficient data extraction, transformation, and storage, which culminate in well-ordered files. This transformation paves the way for potential semantic data integration and facilitates access for users with varying levels of digital experience to enhanced data management in polymer research and testing. KW - PE-HD KW - Full-Notch Creep Test (FNCT) KW - Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC) KW - Data Interoperability KW - FAIR Data KW - Semantic Data PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-637826 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2025.114085 SN - 0927-0256 VL - 259 SP - 1 EP - 5 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-63782 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Colombo, Marta A1 - Mostoni, Silvia A1 - Fredi, Giulia A1 - Rodricks, Carol A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Riva, Massimiliano A1 - Vassallo, Andrea A1 - Di Credico, Barbara A1 - Scotti, Roberto A1 - Zappalorto, Michele A1 - D'Arienzo, Massimiliano T1 - Interfacial Chemistry Behind Damage Monitoring in Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Composites: Attempts and Perspectives N2 - Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRPs) are widely used in structural applications but degrade over time due to internal damage. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) enables early damage detection, improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs. Traditional SHM methods are often invasive and expensive. An emerging solution involves the embedding of carbon‐based filler like carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide into GFRPs, forming conductive networks that detect damage through resistance changes. However, poor adhesion among GF, filler, and matrix can reduce mechanical performance. Therefore, tailoring GF and filler surface chemistry is essential to enhance durability and enable effective self‐sensing properties. This review summarizes the most recent efforts in modifying GF with carbon‐based filler to design GFRP with improved sensing ability and mechanical performance. After a brief introduction on the role of SHM solutions in early damage detection, an overview of the common GF and filler used in GFRPs will be provided. Then, the most relevant GF modification strategies exploited to incorporate carbon‐based filler in GFRPs will be described, focusing on the chemical grafting approach, which allows a careful optimization of the fiber/matrix interface. Last, a concise summary of the key mechanical and electrical tests to evaluate interfacial adhesion and self‐sensing will be supplied. KW - Review KW - Interface KW - Micromechanics KW - Polymer matrix composites KW - Glass fibre reinforced composites PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-639934 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.70332 SN - 0272-8397 SP - 1 EP - 30 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-63993 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Beygi Nasrabadi, Hossein A1 - Klotz, Ulrich E. A1 - Tiberto, Dario A1 - Vafaeenezhad, Hossein A1 - Mishurova, Tatiana A1 - Skrotzki, Birgit T1 - Effect of keyhole and lack-of-fusion pores on the anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties of PBF-LB/M-produced CuCrZr alloy N2 - Due to the high reflectance and heat conductivity of copper and its alloys, the processing window for laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) processing of high-density copper components fundamentally overlaps with conduction and keyhole melting zones, resulting in the emergence of certain pores in the structure of printed parts. The present research aims to study how the development of process-induced lack-of-fusion or keyhole porosities during the PBF-LB/M process can affect the anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced copper alloys. For this purpose, several samples were produced utilizing a similar CuCrZr-feedstock composition but varied process parameters from different areas of the PBF-LB/M processing window, specifically at laser powers of 300 W and 380 W which define the boarders of the conduction and keyhole regimes. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) revealed that the 300-W and 380-W samples achieved relative densities of 98.88% and 99.99%, respectively, with elongated lack-of-fusion pores forming at 300 W and semi-spherical keyhole pores at 380 W. Microstructural analyses employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) demonstrated strong anisotropy in different build directions of the samples, owing to the growth of long columnar grains with intense < 101  orientation along the build directions. Here, the emergence of different types of pores can cause competition between the epitaxial growth of columnar grains and the heterogeneous nucleation of new grains on the layers’ interfaces, thereby significantly varying the grain size, preferred orientation, crystallographic texture, and microstructural anisotropy of the samples. Furthermore, compression tests and nanoindentation measurements of the printed alloys in the longitudinal and transverse directions revealed that the 300 W and 380 W samples exhibited compressive strength anisotropies of 0.061 and 0.072, and average nanoindentation hardness values of 1.3 GPa and 1.5 GPa, respectively. The orientation of elongated lack-of-fusion porosities perpendicular to the loading axis was identified as the most damaging factor, significantly reducing mechanical performance compared to the uniformly distributed keyhole pores. KW - Copper Alloy KW - Laser-based powder bed fusion KW - Microstructure KW - Mechanical properties KW - X-ray computed tomography (XCT) KW - Porosity KW - Anisotropy PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625655 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-025-00972-2 SN - 2363-9520 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-62565 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -