Abstract
High-performance composites based on basalt fibers are becoming increasingly available. However, in comparison to traditional composites containing glass or carbon fibers, their mechanical properties are currently less well known. In particular, this is the case for laminates consisting of unidirectional plies of continuous basalt fibers in an epoxy polymer matrix. Here, we report a full quasi-static characterization of the properties of such a material. To this end, we investigate tension, compression, and shear specimens, cut from quality autoclave-cured basalt composites. Our findings indicate that, in terms of strength and stiffness, unidirectional basalt fiber composites are comparable to, or better than epoxy composites made from E-glass fibers. At the same time, basalt fiber composites combine low manufacturing costs with good recycling properties and are therefore well suited to a number of engineering applications.
Highlights
Modern basalt fibers are a suitable high performance reinforcement for polymer composites
Compared to glass fiber composites, basalt fiber reinforced polymers (BFRP) combines stiffness and strength with good fatigue resistance and better energy absorption characteristics [1,2]. In addition to their competitive mechanical properties, the resources for basalt fibers are globally available and they may be produced with comparatively low energy consumption on a lower price level than glass and, in particular, carbon fibers [4]
While fiber strength decreases above temperatures of ≈300 ◦C [10], basalt fibers feature higher thermal stability than glass fibers [11]. This offers advantages when it comes to recycling of the composite, as long fibers may be recovered by pyrolitic removal of the matrix [5,12]
Summary
Modern basalt fibers are a suitable high performance reinforcement for polymer composites. Compared to glass fiber composites, BFRP combines stiffness and strength with good fatigue resistance and better energy absorption characteristics [1,2] In addition to their competitive mechanical properties, the resources for basalt fibers are globally available and they may be produced with comparatively low energy consumption on a lower price level than glass and, in particular, carbon fibers [4]. They are produced by means of a spinning process from molten volcanic basalt rock. This offers advantages when it comes to recycling of the composite, as long fibers may be recovered by pyrolitic removal of the matrix [5,12]
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