The study considers the delamination resistance of carbon/epoxy laminates modified with Thermoplastic Nanoparticles of Polysulfone (TNPs). A new electrospinning nanofiber technique was utilized to convert polysulfone polymer into nanoparticles and uniformly disperse them within the resin. Fracture toughness was evaluated under loading modes I and II. In mode I, the toughness (GIC) increased significantly from 170 to 328 J/m² with TNPs incorporation. However, mode II showed minimal change, with GIIC values of 955 J/m² for virgin and 950 J/m² for TNPs-modified specimens. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to depict the influence of TNPs on damage characteristics and crack propagation patterns. In mode I, crack deviation enhanced toughness as TNPs bypassed the PSU, while in mode II, cracks propagated through TNPs, resulting in particle smearing on the epoxy surface. This highlights TNPs' potential to modify the fracture toughness in mode I loading, but their effect is constrained in mode II loading scenarios.@en

This paper presents a concise state-of-the-art review on the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) in bridge engineering. The paper is organized into commonly used FRP bridge components, and different materials/manufacturing techniques used for repairing and construction of FRP bridges. Efforts have been made to give a clear and concise view of FRP bridges using the most relevant literature. FRPs have certain desired properties like high strength to weight ratio, and high corrosion and fatigue resistance that make them a sustainable solution for bridges. However, as FRPs are brittle and susceptible to damage, when safety is concerned, critical parts of the bridges are made as hybrids of FRP and conventional materials. Despite significant studies, it has been found that a comprehensive effort is still required on better understanding the long term performance and end-of-life recycling, developing cost-effective and flexible manufacturing processes such as 3D printing, and developing green composites to take full advantages of FRPs.

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