Experimental Investigation on the Bonding Strength of Knotted CFRP Bars in Bulk Plastics

Improving the interfacial bonding strength of CFRP materials is crucial for enabling the development of novel composite beam structures with higher specific bending strength demanded by the composite industry. In this research study, for reinforced bulk plastic composites, the aim is to enhance the interfacial bonding strength of CFRP bar elements in bulk plastics by on the formation of knots. In this context, firstly, the knotted CFRP bars with varying cross-sectional areas were manufactured under laboratory conditions for the experimental investigation on the effect of knots on bonding strength. Commercially available smooth-surfaced CFRP bars were also purchased to be used as the reference. Then, all these CFRP bars were subjected to pull-out tests by using in bulk plastics. According to the test results, it was observed that the interfacial bonding strength of CFRP bars in bulk plastic materials could be increased up to 233% because of the knots.