Abstract：

Thermosetting polymer resins, such as epoxy-amine and vinyl ester, are widely utilized in civil engineering for their mechanical strength and resistance properties. However, prolonged exposure to harsh environments, such as seawater and SWSSC, can lead to degradation of their properties. This study investigates the degradation mechanisms of epoxy and vinyl ester resins in these environments using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show water molecules binding to the resins, leading to changes in atomic structure, hydrolysis, and plasticization. The study provides insights into the degradation of thermosetting polymers in harsh environments and implications for offshore structures, offering valuable input for durability design of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in marine and SWSSC applications.

Biographical Sketch:

FAME Cheikh Makhfouss is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the team of Academician and Distinguished Professor Tamon UEDA at the College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University. He earned his Doctor of Engineering from Beihang University in 2022 under the supervision of Professor Chao Wu. His research interests are in damage tolerance assessment, failure analysis and durability of FRP materials. He has published peer-reviewed papers in international Journals including Composite Structure, Journal of Composites in Construction, and Materials. Additionally, he serves as reviewer for reputable journal such as Structural Engineering and Mechanics, Journal of Composites for Construction, Frontiers in Materials: Polymeric and Composite Materials and Structural Concrete: Journal of fib. He received the First Prize of the Distinguished Foreign Student of Beihang University in 2021 and was awarded the Best Overseas PhD Student Thesis of Beihang University in 2022.