Abstract

Rusting of Polyurethane (PU) coated steel sample which is used in most of the
chemical industries has become a problem requiring necessary attention and corrective
prevention method. Composite materials are looked at as the alternatives to address this
issue. As these composites are not attacked by the chemicals in the industries, acids in
present problem. However, composites have complex manufacturing processes and need
high cost. The glass fibre plates, composites, cut in to the necessary lengths and
dimensions. Then joined at Web Flange Joint (WFJ) with the help of adhesives to reduce
the process complexity and cost. It is observed that Huntsman Araldite gives better results
as adhesive to be used at WFJ. This is validated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with
ANSYS tool. The Hundsman Araldite failure strength is much better at the WFJ area. In
addition to this, cleats are used with 4 mm, 12 mm for increasing the WFJ area and
improve the load carrying capacity of the composite I- Beam. The results of experiments
have clearly shown that the glass fibre immersed in the acidic bath solution for certain
period has no reaction as such. Hence shown much improved resistance to acidic attack
and no rusting as such. Appreciable correlation between experimental and analytical
results indicated improved performance of Composite Beam in given chemical (acidic)
environment. It is recommended to use the composite I – Beams in acidic environments in
place of steel beams to have improved rusting behaviour and lonf life of the beams.