Composites 2006 Technical Papers Showcase AOC Resin Versatility
October, 2006 : St. Louis (Composites 2006), MO, USA
The versatility of AOC resins for high performance chimney liners and world-class structures will be featured in two technical papers presented during COMPOSITES 2006 of the American Composites Manufacturers Association. COMPOSITES 2006 and POLYCON 2006 will be held concurrently October 18-20 at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. AOC will be exhibiting at Booth #1000.
High Performance Liners and Flu Gas Ducts
“Characteristics of Vinyl Ester Laminates Suitable for Chimney Liner Applications after High Temperature Thermal Stress” is authored by AOC Corrosion Specialist Scott A. Lane. His research focuses on the thermal performance of composite chimney liners used at coal-fired power facilities. The research is also applicable to gas flu ducts whose requirements for corrosion-resistance, flame retardance, thermal stability and tensile properties are similar to liner requirements.
Lane tested simulated chimney liner laminates made with brominated bisphenol A epoxy vinyl ester and brominated epoxy novolac vinyl ester. Commercially available from AOC, both resin systems meet ASTM Standard D 5364 “Standard Guide for Design, Fabrication, and Erection of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Chimney Liners with Coal-Fired Units.” Neither resin requires the addition of a synergist, such as an antimony component, to meet the standard’s minimum flame-retardant and requirements.
The most severe thermal environment listed in ASTM D 5364 describes non-typical plant operations where flue gas temperatures reach 440°F (227°C). Lane set out to discover how the laminate would perform after being exposed to 30-minute excursions at 550 ºF (288 °C), which exceeds the glass transition and heat distortion temperatures of both resins.
Test results demonstrate that laminates fabricated from brominated bisphenol A epoxy vinyl ester or brominated epoxy novolac vinyl ester experience only minor discoloration and weight loss after the high-temperature thermal stress. Laminate tensile properties and the integrity of the laminate’s corrosion barrier remained within the standards set by ASTM D 5364.
“Chimney liner and gas duct applications for these resins can now benefit from demonstrated thermal stability to brief high temperature thermal stress,” concludes Lane. The accompanying table is part of the extensive data compiled for Lane’s paper which will be delivered 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 18, in Room 267 of the America’s Center convention complex.
| Resin Matrix | Condition | Strength (MPa) | Modulus (MGPa) | Elongation (%) |
| Brominated bisphenol A vinyl ester | As received before bake | 758 | 32 | 2.45 |
| After Bake | 765 | 42 | 2.55 | |
| Brominated epoxy novolac vinyl ester | As received before bake | 862 | 41 | 2.66 |
| After Bake | 779 | 40 | 2.66 |
Huge Roof Structures in Bahrain
Another AOC-related paper, “Primary Composite Structures, Very Large Conference Hall Roof at Library Project, Bahrain - A Case Study,” is co-authored by Suhas Kolhatkar, Director of Composite Designs & Technology and Sanjay Rade, Structural Engineer for CDT, which is based in Pune, India.
This paper follows the design, engineering and construction of huge architectural roof vaults for the new Library and Conference Hall in Manama, Bahrain. Each vault is 164 feet (50 meters) long with a front overhang that is 52.5 feet (16 meters) wide and 30 feet (9.25 meters) high. The half-cone shape of the vault tapers to 26.2-by-19.7 feet (8-by-6 meters) at the rear.
Composite Designs & Technology carried out the engineering requirements for the vaults. “The desired architecture would not have been economically viable in conventional materials,” said Kolhatkar. “Steel and concrete weigh about 40 to 50 percent more than composites and would have imposed tremendous dead weight on the building’s substructure and footing.”
Workers for BFG International Ltd. Bahrain used hand lay-up to mold the composite sections that were assembled to manufacture the vaults. The resin was a Firepel® K133 unsaturated polyester designed by AOC to be blended with alumina trihydrate to cost-effectively achieve fire retardant properties. Laminates made with Firepel K133 series resins have passed ASTM E 84 class I flame spread and smoke development, UL 94-HB, UL94-5V and UL 94-V0 test requirements. The resin series also passes tests established by fire standards B 476 for building materials and construction and BS 6853 for passenger trains.
More details will be provided during the Composites 2006 presentation at 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 18 in Room 125 in America’s Center. Furthermore, an AOC Case History of the application is available by going to the Magnificent Roof Structure Case History on AOC Resins.
Structural analysis of the roof structure was accomplished using finete element techniques.
About AOC
Headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee, AOC is a leading global supplier of resins, gel coats, colorants, additives and synergistic systems for composites and cast polymers. AOC products are manufactured in facilities strategically located in North America, Europe and Asia. AOC-owned manufacturing plants are ISO 9001:2000-certified, use proprietary technology to ensure resin batch-to-batch consistency, and follow Six Sigma-Lean principles for improved efficiency and quality. For more information, contact Steve Martin or phone +1 901.854.2847.