Nanohybridization Effects on Impact Behavior of Basalt/Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites

Abstract

Basalt fiber-based composites have received greater attention from manufacturers and researchers recently for use in a variety of structural applications, owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, and excellent mechanical properties. The main objective of the current research is to examine the impact behavior of hybrid basalt/glass fiber reinforced composites that have been altered by the addition of MWCNTs and SiO2 (Nano silica) to the epoxy matrix as per the ASTM standards. All of the composites were created using Manual lay-up method followed by Compression molding using novel symmetric stacking sequence configurations of B/GG/BB/GG/BB/GG/B fibers with nanoparticles at weight percentages of 0%, 1% (0.5% MWCNTs + 0.5% SiO2) 2% (1% MWCNTs + 1% SiO2) and 3% (1.5 % MWCNTs + 1.5% SiO2). The homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix was achieved by ultrasonicator and magnetic stirrers. The maximum value of Izod impact strength was recorded as 203 kJ/m2 for the composite filled with 2 wt. % of nano-fillers. In comparison to the composite containing no fillers, the composite adding 2 wt. % showed a 24% improvement from 167 to 203 kJ/m2 in Izod impact resistance. It was observed that increasing the weight percentage of fillers in composites causes insufficient interfacial interaction between the matrix and fibers, thereby decreasing their impact resistance. The load transmission between the matrix and fibers is increased by the presence of MWCNTs/SiO2 at the fiber/matrix interface, which also improves the fracture toughness. According to images obtained by Scanning Electron Microscopy of the fracture surfaces of impact-tested specimens, the major reasons for failure include fiber/matrix deboning, fiber breaking, fiber fracture and fiber pull-out.