Abstract
In comparison to conventional materials, polymer matrix composite materials have witnessed a surge in applicability due to their higher specific strength‐to‐weight ratio, abundant availability, and ease of shaping. Due to technological, economic, environmental, and societal challenges, bio‐based fibers began to emerge quickly for use in industrial components. Due to its unique chemistry‐related characteristics, basalt fiber holds a prominent position among the many bio‐based fibers. So, it could be thought of used as a replacement for some components used in the biomedical equipments. In the present investigation, plain‐woven basalt fiber at a constant percentage of 55% is added as reinforcement to three different epoxy resin‐hardener combinations such as Lapox L12‐Lapox K6, Araldite LY1564‐Aradur 22962, and Araldite LY556‐Aradur HY951 as matrix, and comparative studies are carried out. Fabrication is carried out by hand lay‐up technique. Test specimens are prepared as per the respective ASTM standards by subjecting the laminate to water jet machining. Mechanical characterization such as tensile, flexural, and density tests is conducted for the test specimen using BISS‐50 kN Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Water absorption tests are also conducted for 24 and 48 hours duration. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the highest tensile, flexural strengths are obtained for laminate L3 which used LY556 epoxy and HY951 hardener combination as matrix. Also, less rate of water absorption is seen for L3 laminate for both 24 and 48 hrs which makes it suitable for biomedical applications.
Highlights
Polymer matrix composites offer a wide range of uses due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, less weight, adaptability, shape ability, and suitability for a variety of technical applications
Minute difference in experimental densities was observed amongst of the laminates since they are only with varied epoxyhardener combinations but prepared for a constant fiber percentage of 55% as shown in Figure 2. e L3 laminate exhibited the maximum density of 1.78 g/cc, the L2 laminate exhibited the lowest density of 1.71 g/cc, and laminate L1 exhibited a density of 1.73 g/cc
Effect of three different epoxy resins on the water absorption and mechanical properties of plain-woven basalt fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites was studied for 55 wt.%. e following conclusions were drawn based on the present experimental results: (i) e composite laminate L3 shows highest tensile strength and modulus of 304.36 MPa and 10.41 GPa and L2 laminate shows the least tensile strength and modulus of 143.8 MPa and 5.1 GPa
Summary
Polymer matrix composites offer a wide range of uses due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, less weight, adaptability, shape ability, and suitability for a variety of technical applications. E density of basalt fibers ranges between 2.7 g/cc and 2.8 g/cc. Basalt is a clean and environmentally benign substance that originates from volcanic rocks and has a melting temperature of 1500°C to 1700°C [1, 2]. It is extremely hard compared with some conventional materials and has higher abrasion resistance [3]. Czigany [5] proved that the basalt could be considered as natural fiber. It is chemically inert and could be a major breakthrough as bio material. Fiore et al [12] investigated the effect of uniaxial basalt fiber on the mechanical properties of a glass fiber/epoxy composite (GFRP) intended for marine use
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