Morphology and physico-mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

Surface morphology and Physico-mechanical properties of 25, 30, 35 and 40 wt. % of short basalt fiber (sBF) reinforced epoxy composite is presented in this paper. Density, hardness, tensile and flexural tests were performed to measure the physico-mechanical properties of each silane treated sBF/Ep composite. In general, up to a certain threshold , the tensile and flexural properties of the composite increased as the wt. % increased, post which, there was a decrease in strength and modulus. Mechanical test outcomes revealed that 35 wt. % silane treated sBF/Ep composites indicated 31% and 40% increase in tensile strength and flexural strength respectively. Inspection of tensile and three-point bend fractured surface of sBF/Ep composites showed better interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix. Finally, from the generated test data, it was presumed that 35 wt. % silane treated sBF/Ep composites gracefully and successfully improved the mechanical properties. These developed composites can be effectively utilized for various load-bearing components especially in automotive applications.