RETRACTED ARTICLE: Physical, mechanical, and thermal behavior analyses of basalt fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract

There is a global acceleration in the employment of inorganic fiber-reinforced wood–plastic composites in various fields. The durability of composites is challenged by hot and humid environments, where their service life is greatly shortened compared to that in normal environments. Therefore, it is rare to adding basalt fibers (BF) for wood plastic composites, to extend the actual applications; how to better improve the service life is important issue. So, the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of composites are deeply investigated for durability. In this study, BF, which is a relatively stable fiber, is selected as the research object. The results indicate that the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of composites improved by BF. The mechanical properties of composites are optimal when the content of BF reached 10%. Water resistance of the impregnated composites improves more than that of non-impregnated composites. The physical and mechanical properties of composites were observed by scanning electron microcopy. Good interfacial adhesion limits the mobility of polymer chains lead to good performance. Additionally, the thermal properties are enhanced owing to the addition of BF, especially the low linear coefficient of thermal expansion and the high thermal decomposition temperature. BF has a positive effect in reinforced composites.