Effects of Basalt Fiber and Zirconia Loading on Physico-Mechanical Behavior of PA66/HDPE Blend Composites

Abstract

The polymer blend of polyamide 66 and high density polyethylene (PA66/HDPE) (70/30 wt. %) was selected for the study. The polymer blend was reinforced with 20 and 25 wt. % short basalt fibers (SBFs). Blend reinforced with 25wt. % SBFs was further loaded with 5 and 10wt. % zirconia (ZrO2) to study the positive hybrid effect. The physical properties such as density, void content and hardness of the composites were determined along with the mechanical properties such as tensile and impact as per the ASTM standards. Lastly, the fractured surfaces of specimens were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM).