Hybrid Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Flax Fiber and Basalt Fiber

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of basalt and flax fiber content on the thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties of epoxy composites. The mechanical properties were assessed by means of static tensile test and Charpy impact strength method. The thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were determined through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Moreover, hardness was examined with Shore D durometer. The thermal stability was determined by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) in inert atmospheres. The increase flax fiber content led to decrease the tensile strength value, elasticity modulus and storage modulus value of the epoxy composites. The most advantageous mechanical and thermomechanical properties were obtained for the composites containing six layer of the basalt fiber and then hybrid composites containing four layer basalt fiber and two layer flax fiber.