This discussion focuses on the use of carbon fiber and adhesives for reinforcing fragile plastic pieces. Participants emphasize that while carbon fiber has excellent tensile properties, the choice of adhesive is crucial, particularly for internal concave surfaces. Cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) is recommended for bonding carbon fiber and Kevlar, providing a strong exoskeleton. Additionally, high-strength low-viscosity epoxy is noted for its effectiveness in bonding with plastic substrates, as demonstrated in the stabilization of basement walls.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals involved in repairing or reinforcing plastic components using advanced materials like carbon fiber and epoxy. It is particularly relevant for those working in fields such as model making, structural engineering, and home repair.
Carbon fibre has good tensile properties, so it is best wrapped around an outer convex surface where tension forces in long fibres will not cause delamination. Internal concave surfaces tend to be compressive so it is the glue or filler that will be more important, held in place by short fibres as reinforcing.kolleamm said:I have a fragile plastic piece and I would like to coat the inner walls with carbon fiber, ...
I do the same thing with carbon fibers and high strength low viscosity epoxe. If the epoxe bonds well to substrate (always a crapshoot with plastic) the result is remarkably strong.Baluncore said:Carbon fibre has good tensile properties, so it is best wrapped around an outer convex surface where tension forces in long fibres will not cause delamination. Internal concave surfaces tend to be compressive so it is the glue or filler that will be more important, held in place by short fibres as reinforcing.
Small plastic items break after becoming brittle with time. I sometimes repair them by reassembling the parts with cheap superglue. Then I wind a Kevlar fibre around them, backwards and forwards to make a very thin outer sock of cross-hatched thread. One drop of fluid superglue on the Kevlar wicks through to make a very strong exoskeleton. The superglue, = cyanoacrylate, chemically bonds with the Kevlar, = aramid.
I get the Kevlar fibre from scrap cable. Make sure you are not touching any fibres as the superglue wicks in, or you will very rapidly become part of the exoskeleton.
Maybe de-water the soil around your basement. If you have a sump pump there, the perforated pipes that run around the foundation may have collapsed/filled with stuff, raising the water table.hutchphd said:...70 year old block basement walls which had started to bow a bit...small gaps in the horizontal mortar lines.
Actually I had recently had a galvanized intake water pipe replaced which clearly created some leakage and backup outside. This likely caused the issue but is copacetic now. Vertical carbon fiber has made wall rock stable. Good call, thank you!Tom.G said:Maybe de-water the soil around your basement. If you have a sump pump there, the perforated pipes that run around the foundation may have collapsed/filled with stuff, raising the water table.
Many plumbers can send a video camera thru the pipe to check for blockages. Not cheap, but cheaper than a collapsed wall.