Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites and Their Prospective Applications in the Manufacturing Sector

Abstract

In the current times of rising environmental concerns like non biodegradable watse, many unnaturally obtained chemicals which have deleterious consequences on human civilation and rampant pollution levels our focus should be on evolving ways and means to make commodity materials eco-friendly and biodegradable. In this perspective it may be pertinent to mention that the naturally occurring elements play a vital role in controlling the situation up to a major extant. The rise in natural fibers in the form of reinforcements for manufacturing cost-effective, lightweight polymer composites can be viewed as a solution to these global challenges. One such material of significance that is used broadly at present is basalt fiber, which offers excellent properties and cost-effectiveness over other asbestos and glass fibers. Basalt fiber is made from the smashed Basalt, which is meticulously selected from naturally occurring quarry source. Several reports on development of Basalt fiber-reinforced composites with various matrix polymers such as phenolic, epoxy, polypropylene, Poly (butylene succinate), vinyl ester, etc. have been generated by various research groups. Few studies are also reported on hybrid Basalt composites using classic natural fibers like; banana fiber, hemp fiber, other commercially used fibers like carbon/ glass fibers etc. These exhibit excellent mechanical, chemical and thermal properties respectively.This chapter provides a critical review of the use of basalt fibers as reinforcement materials for different polymer matrix composite and explores the viability in applying it as a replacement of glass fibers. In particular, an illustration of the utilization of this fiber in polymer-based matrix composites and hybrid composites has been detailed. Eventually, the research carried out in industrial implementation of basalt fiber reinforced composites has been studied through this article. Based on the suitable characteristics of the composites basalt fiber and its composites are utilized in the making of high and low-temperature protective gears and electrical insulation materials used in insulation coating fabrics around electrical wiring and are also utilized in the thermal insulation industry. Because of the unique properties of these composites, these are applied and used widely in fields pertaining to development of brake pads, nuclear waste disposal bags, structural composites, electromagnetic shielding coversso on and so forth.