Basalt Fabrics Research Articles

Analysis of mechanical properties of basalt fabric reinforced fly ash filled vinyl ester composites using multi criteria decision making technique

The current research was to examine the mechanical properties of composite material made of vinyl ester filled with fly ash of various weight percentages. Before fabrication the amount of fly ash and resin were identified by using the Multi Criteria Decision Making technique (MCDM). The best filler weight percentage of 5 wt% is determined by using Weighted Aggregate Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) which is one of the MCDM methods. The virgin samples of vinyl esters are mixed with weight of 5 wt%fly ash by incremental of 5 wt% up to 20 wt%. All the mechanical tests of the specimen were conducted as per ASTM standards. Subsequently based on the results from the WASPAS method of fly ash content, the basalt fabric was reinforced with fly ash filled vinyl ester to fabricate the hybrid composites. By the mixing of fly-ash with vinyl ester the strength of the fly ash filled composites has been found to be enhanced in the filler. The results from the mechanical testing signified that fly ash can be used as filler material in basalt fabric reinforced vinyl ester resin. The fly ash infused basalt fibre reinforced yields significant development in mechanical performance contrast to the other fabricated composites.

Textile-Integrated Conductive Layers for Flexible Semiconductor-Based Photovoltaic Structures

This paper presents the results of research on conductive layers dedicated to flexible photovoltaic cells based on semiconductors integrated with a textile substrate. The presented work is part of a broader project aimed at producing flexible solar cells based on the CdTe semiconductor component and manufactured directly on textiles. The research focuses on the selection of textile substrates and contact materials, as well as the methods of their application. This study compares three types of fabrics (basalt, glass, and silicone fibers) and three metals (copper, molybdenum, and silver), evaluating their mechanical and electrical properties. During the experiments, flexible metallic layers with a thickness ranging from 160 to 415 nm were obtained. Preliminary experiments indicated that metallic layers deposited directly on textiles do not provide adequate conductivity, reaching the levels of several hundred Ω/sq and necessitating the introduction of intermediate layers, such as screen-printed graphite. The results show that molybdenum layers on basalt fabrics exhibit the lowest increase in resistance after dynamic bending tests. The obtained relative resistance changes in Mo layers varied from 50% to as low as 5% after a complete set of 200 bending cycles. This article also discusses current challenges and future research directions in the field of textile-integrated photovoltaics, emphasizing the importance of further technological development to improve the energy efficiency and durability of such solutions.

Multi-functionalization and recycling of basalt fibre/polypropylene laminated composites based on mixed plain-woven fabric and related interfacial decorations

The development of laminated composites of thermoplastic polypropylene (PP)/continuous basalt fabric is limited by poor mutual infiltration and weak interfacial interactions between the matrix and fabric, as well as the intrinsic flammability and susceptibility of the PP matrix to ultraviolet (UV) aging. To solve the above shortcomings in a high-efficiency manner, a multi-functional transition layer was constructed between the PP matrix and long basalt fibres (LBFs) based on a hybrid plain-woven fabric composed of LBFs weft yarns and PP warp yarns. After hot-laminating these hybrid plain-woven prepregs, the mechanical performance of the resultant laminates was optimised and strengthened by selecting the compositions of the multi-functional transition layers (comprising flexible alkyl glycidyl ether chains, various rigid inorganic nanoparticles, or a flexible-rigid hybrid layer). Among these different transition layers, the interface between the LBFs-g-MWCNTs-OH and the PP matrix presented better mutual infiltration due to the lower interfacial energy, stronger mechanical engagement effect derived from the rougher fibre surface, and higher interfacial modulus. Therefore, the fewer structural defects and more effective transfer of the applied load at the interface caused the tensile strength/modulus and flexural strength/modulus of the related hybrid weaving laminates (HWLs) to reach 278.1 MPa/31.8 GPa and 264.2 MPa/12.4 GPa, respectively. The rigid interfaces formed by the deposited nanoparticles also accelerated heat transfer from the matrix to the fibre and the absorption of UV-light inside composite, then improving the flame-retardancy and anti-UV aging performances of the corresponding HWLs. Finally, recyclability evaluations indicated that the waste LBFs-g-SiO2/PP HWLs can be used as anti-UV aging and flame-retardant agents to fabricate new modified PP pellets with multiple functions.

Architecture of conductive fibers in pigtails for high‐sensitivity monitoring of structural health in fiber‐reinforced composites

AbstractStructural health monitoring is vital for improving the safety and reliability of fiber‐reinforced composites. However, it is still challenging to achieve high sensing performance without changing the overall properties of composites. In this work, conductive fibers were braided into pigtails to achieve high sensing sensitivity and maintain low electrical resistance. Conductive pigtails with hierarchical and critically connected percolation networks were integrated with basalt fabric by an embroidery technique to realize self‐diagnosis of composites. After being embedded in epoxy composites, the material exhibited low electrical resistance (128.8 kΩ) and excellent sensing performance, demonstrating a high Gauge factor of 8.1, good linearity (R2 > 99%) and stability. The experimental results also showed that conductive pigtails can sensitively inform crack initiation and growth inside composites, which is extremely important for warning of the risk of material fractures. In addition, the mechanical strength of the material was almost unchanged before and after the pigtails were embedded. All these results indicate that conductive pigtails could be used as highly sensitive sensors for realizing structural health monitoring in fiber‐reinforced composites.Highlights CBs/TPU pigtails with hierarchical conductive paths were fabricated and firmly integrated with basalt fabric by the embroidery technique. There is a good interface between the pigtails and the matrix, resulting in the embedding of the pigtails with little change in the mechanical properties of the composites. Pigtails can sensitively detect crack initiation and growth in composites, demonstrating the potential for self‐diagnosis of fiber‐reinforced composites.

Triboelectric Basalt Textiles Efficiently Operating within an Ultrawide Temperature Range.

With the continuous upsurge in demand for wearable energy, nanogenerators are increasingly required to operate under extreme environmental conditions. Even though they are at the cutting edge of technology, nanogenerators have difficulty producing high-quality electrical output at very extreme temperatures. Here, a triboelectric basalt textile (TBT) with an ultrawide operational temperature range (from -196 to 520°C) is created employing basalt material as the main body. The output power density of the TBT, in contrast to most conventional nanogenerators, would counterintuitively rise by 2.3 times to 740.6mW m-2 after heating to 100°C because the high temperature will enhance the material's interface polarization and electronic kinetic energy. The TBT retains ≈55% of its initial electrical output even after heating in the flame of an alcohol lamp (520°C). Surprisingly, the TBTs output voltage may retain over 85% of its initial value even after submerging in liquid nitrogen. The TBTs exceptional resistance to heat and cold indicates its possible use in high and low latitudes, high altitudes, deserts, and even space settings.

Numerical modeling of the heat flow component of the composite developed on the basis of basalt fabric

Abstract Numerical simulation basic steps are making a model and recreating the course of the examined process. The article presents numerical modeling of the component of heat flow through a composite developed on the basis of basalt fabric. The composite consisted of the following components: basalt fabric, modified with a composite coating consisting of 1 µm thick aluminum with a mixture of 1 µm zirconia and titanium dioxide, silicone, and Mylar® film modified with the same coating as the basalt fabric. Numerical modeling was performed using the ANSYS 2022 R1 program. The performed numerical simulations of the temperature gradient represented the contact heat resistance test for the contact temperature of 250°C for the basalt fabric and the composite. The proposed model reproduced the exact course and results of the actual study. Each of the layers making up the composite had a thickness and was mapped in accordance with the physical model.

Shaping of thermal protective properties of basalt fabric-based composites by direct surface modification using magnetron sputtering technique

Abstract A direct modification of the surface of the basalt fabric was carried out by using magnetron sputtering to obtain composites intended for effective protection against contact and radiant heat. One-layer composite with a coating of aluminum (Al) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), two-layer composite with a coating of Al/ZrO2, and two-layer composite with a coating of Al/(ZrO2 + titanium dioxide [TiO2]) were deposited on the fabric surface. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was used to assess the coating on basalt fabrics and determine their chemical composition. Parameters such as thermal conductivity coefficient, resistance to radiant heat, and resistance to contact heat for a contact temperature of 250°C were determined for assessment of the composites from the point of view of protective properties. The similarity analysis of composites was performed to state the impact of coating components’ content and coating thickness on chosen parameters. It was found that a two-layer composite in which the outer layer is Al and the inner layer is a mixture of ZrO2 and TiO2 provides good thermal insulation properties. The composites capable of protecting against contact heat at the first efficiency level and against radiant heat at the second efficiency level were obtained.

Ballistic behaviour of hybride carbon/basalt fiber reinforced epoxy-hBN composite

Ballistic behaviours of hybrid composite armors were investigated through experiments. The effects of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanopowders and number of layers on ballistic performance were examined. Four types of armors were manufactured by hand lay-up and vacuum bagging technique: 60 layers of fabric (30 layers carbon and 30 layers basalt fabrics) with 0% h-BN (1-A) and 1% h-BN (1-B), also 100 layers of fabric (50 layers carbon and 50 layers basalt fabrics) with 0% h-BN (2-A) and 1% h-BN (2-B) with epoxy resin. Ballistic impact tests were performed on the armors using a 9 mm full metal jacket projectile. The densities of the ballistic plates are 1.53, 1.56, 1.61 and 1.65 respectively. After three shots to each plate, the average hole depths were 5.55 mm on the 1-A coded plate, 4.34 mm on the 1-B armor, 4.68 mm on the 2-A plate, and 4.69 mm on the 2-B armor. All of the armors were able to confront for the velocities between [Formula: see text] m/s successfully. However, the h-BN showed a significant influence on the overall ballistic performance of composite armors. It has been found that the penetration depth decreases with the addition of h-BN. Also SEM-EDS mapping and XRD analysis were used to characterize the hybrid composites.

Seismic strengthening of partially grouted masonry walls with openings: Evaluation of ferrocement and BTRM solutions

This paper presents an experimental study on the seismic performance of partially grouted reinforced masonry (PG-RM) walls strengthened with two solutions: Ferrocement coating (welded wire steel mesh embedded in cementitious mortar, WWM) and Basalt Textile Reinforced Mortar (BTRM) layer. For this purpose, two full-scale walls were built with hollow concrete units, with identical geometry and construction details of a previously reported tested wall, which acts as the control specimen (unstrengthened case) in this study. The walls, with a window-type opening and another door-type opening, were strengthened on one of their sides and tested under the combined action of constant axial compression and cyclic lateral loading up to failure.The experimental results show that both strengthening solutions increased the investigated walls' initial stiffness and lateral capacity. The increase in lateral capacity of both solutions was similar, about 37%. The 2D-DIC analysis implemented during the tests was instrumental in highlighting the areas on the strengthened walls where high strains were developed. The damage registered on the BTRM layer was more consistent with what was observed on the surface of the unstrengthened wall. Meanwhile, the damage reported on the wall strengthened with WWM did not exhibit apparent damage at higher drift levels due to the detachment between the ferrocement coating and the masonry substrate. Finally, the performance of some procedures to compute the contribution of the studied strengthening solutions was also assessed.

Hybrid Epoxy Composites Based on Basalt Fabric: A Case Study of Low‐Temperature Plasma Treatment and Reduced Graphene Oxide Flakes Addition

The purpose of this study is to present a novel method for producing mechanically strong epoxy composite laminates of different compositions, reinforced with basalt fabric and reduced graphene oxide flakes. The laminates are prepared with basalt fabric, which is subjected to low‐temperature plasma treatment. This approach is aimed to enhance the adhesion of fabric to resin filled with reduced graphene oxide flakes. Physical properties, adhesion, and mechanical properties of the obtained materials are determined. Based on the experiments, it is found that the tensile strength is improved by 6–21% after using reduced graphene oxide filler, 9–23% after plasma treatment, and up to 27% using the combination of plasma and reduced graphene. It is found that the highest improvement of tensile strength is obtained for epoxy composite with 0.5 wt% graphene‐based filler and 3 min basalt fiber plasma treatment with 25 W plasma power.

Experimental study and theoretical analysis on tensile properties of concrete reinforced with different polymer-impregnated basalt textiles

Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) has become a new material for strengthening and constructing structures. The mechanical properties of TRC are significantly influenced by the polymer impregnation of textile. However, the influencing mechanisms of different polymers on the mechanical properties of TRC remain unclear. In this study, the effects of polymer impregnations on tensile behavior of basalt textile reinforced concrete (BTRC) were investigated. The results showed that the epoxy resin-impregnated basalt textile outperformed other polymer-impregnated textiles in improving the tensile properties of concrete, exhibiting an ultimate stress 48%–110% higher than other samples. Increasing the textile layers number from 1 to 3 improved the ultimate stress and energy consumption, with the most notable improvements observed at 146% and 173%, respectively, for samples reinforced with epoxy resin-impregnated textiles. However, the increased textile layers reduced the ultimate strain and fiber strength utilization efficiency due to the inconsistent stress transfer among multi-layer textiles. Only epoxy resin-impregnated textiles reinforced samples exhibited a complete three-stage variation in the tensile stress-strain curve, where the stress fluctuations in the post-cracking stage were attributed to the multiple concrete cracks. In contrast, other polymer-impregnated textile-reinforced concrete samples experienced stress fluctuations in post-cracking stage primarily due to the textile slippage, inconsistent textile fractures, and propagation of initial crack. Furthermore, the epoxy resin-impregnated textiles' superior tensile strength and excellent bond with concrete contributed to reduced stress fluctuation range and smaller stress drop after initial cracking. Finally, an optimized tensile model with high accuracy was proposed to describe the tensile response of polymer-impregnated basalt textile reinforced concrete.

Flexural and impact performance of Kevlar/basalt fabric interlayer hybrid curved composites

FRP composite has become one of the most preferred materials in lightweight applications. Design freedom is a key benefit which is reflected in the choice of fibres, stacking sequence and others. Hybridisation of hard inorganic fibre and organic ductile fibres can lead to synergetic effects. In this paper, an interlayer hybrid curved laminated composite reinforced with woven Kevlar and basalt fabrics and manufactured by a hand lay-up process with epoxy resin was prepared. Experimental investigation on the flexural and impact properties of composite laminates has been performed. The results of the investigation showed that the placement of Kevlar fibres on the impact side can increase the impact and flexural strengths, sample H3 (K3B2K3B2) has the highest impact strength and absorbed energy among seven hybrid laminates, valued at 92.89 KJ/m2 and 2.48 KJ. Compared with H5(B4K6) improved 41.6% and 40.9%, respectively. However, H5 has the highest flexural strength, reaching 231.7 MPa. In addition, the use of basalt fabric on the impact reverse side or multi-layer hybrid structuring further improves the impact properties of the materials. A sandwich-structure composite with basalt layers in the middle and Kevlar layers on both sides shows further improvement in the flexural properties.

Flexural behavior of warp knitted textile reinforced concrete impregnated with cementitious binder

Textile reinforced concrete is a novel and high performance material which is gaining popularity in the recent days due to its high potential to effectively improve the strength and durability of concrete structures. Owing to absence of coarse aggregate and presence of high cement paste content, TRC has properties that are different from conventional concrete. In this paper, performance of three different types of binders ie., Organic binder, Inorganic Geopolymer binder and epoxy binders for compressive and split tensile strengths was presented and were compared to assess their effectiveness in enhancing properties by testing 12 mortar cubes of size 70.6 mm and 6 mortar cylinders of size 75 × 150 mm. The efficaciousness of weft insertion warp-knitted textile fabrics of ARG and Basalt on the Compressive strength, flexural strength, ductility, toughness, and failure modes were evaluated experimentally by investigations carried out on 4 RCC beams. The effect of the thickness of Textile reinforcement is also studied by using textile layers of thicknesses of 5, 10, and 15 mm. The results indicated that application of basalt textiles fabric using cementitious binder exhibit higher strength and ductility. Basalt textile is more preferable due to its eco-friendly properties. The experimental findings are validated through analytical equations, ensuring the reliability of the study.

The Super Tough Saddle of Mantis Shrimp Derived from Strain Transformation Between Helical Fibers and Interlaminar Fibrils

AbstractMantis shrimps deliver one of the fastest strikes with their powerful dactyl clubs. The kinematic energy derived by a saddle storing and releasing mechanical energy with large deformation. As an exoskeleton, the toughness of saddles can achieve a remarkable value ≈15.28 ± 2.32 MJ m−3, which exceeds most bulk natural materials. The excellent toughness of saddles is mainly attributed to the synergy of the helical mineralized fiber architectures and interlaminar fibrils. The interlaminar fibrils connect adjacent mineralized fiber layers closely, enhancing the toughness through viscoelastic deformation during sliding and separating of adjacent layers. They further cooperate with rigid interlacing fiber structure induced by helical structure to transform little normal strain to large shear strain utilizing incompressibility of soft fibrils further to enhance strain energy for toughening. Inspired by unique laminated saddles, the laminate composites are designed with basalt fabrics achieving remarkable fracture toughness to solve the problem of delamination in traditional laminate composites with poor interlaminar toughness. The Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of bio‐inspired laminate composites respectively increase by 44% and 118% reaching 906.8 and 1394.6 J m−2, which provides an innovative bionic strategy for designing new generation structural engineering materials with excellent mechanical properties.

Bond and tensile behaviour of textile reinforced mortars with traditional and alternative matrices

Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures frequently need to be repaired and strengthened during their service life due to corrosion deterioration and other pathologies. Composite materials, such as textile reinforced mortar (TRM), have emerged as a promising solution for restoring or improving the load bearing capacity of structural concrete. Previous studies have demonstrated that the effectiveness of this strengthening technique relies mostly on the bond between the textile and the matrix as well as on the bonded length to the substrate. The research presented in this paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of bond characteristics as well as the mechanical properties of various TRM systems. Carbon and basalt textiles were investigated along with conventional cement mortar and alternative mortars with short glass or synthetic fibres. To examine the bond behaviour of each system, a single lap shear test configuration was used. Tensile testing was carried out using a clevis grip or a clamping configuration. The tension and bond properties obtained from the tests are analysed and compared, and recommendations are presented regarding the bond and tensile test setups.

Exploring the influence of strain rate on BTRM tensile behaviour

Extensive research has been conducted on textile-reinforced mortars (TRM); however, a significant gap exists in understanding how strain rate influences mechanical performance. TRM composites reinforced with basalt textiles (BTRM) have become increasingly popular due to the remarkable sustainable profile of basalt fibres. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the tensile response of this composite under intermediate strain rates. The present study examined a BTRM composite consisting of a bi-directional basalt fibre textile and a commercially available mortar strengthened with short glass fibres. Coupon specimens with aluminium tabs were tested with a high-speed servohydraulic equipment at strain rates ranging from 0.5/s to 10/s. Strain and failure propagation were captured with a high-speed camera and analysed using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Tests were also performed under quasi-static conditions for comparison. The mechanical characteristics of the BTRM composite were assessed based on its tensile strength, ultimate strain, toughness, stress-strain behaviour, and failure mode. The findings demonstrated that the BTRM composite exhibited sensitivity to changes in strain rate. Increasing strain rates enhanced tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness. Furthermore, the specimens examined under dynamic conditions displayed distinct stress-strain characteristics compared to similar specimens subjected to quasi-static loadings.

Strengthening of Polypropylene fiber reinforced flat slab using BFRP fan and laminate against line loading.

This paper investigates the comparative study of performance of two-way polypropylene fiber reinforced flat slab strengthened with BFRP (Basalt fiber reinforced polymer) fan and laminate against concentric loading. Three slabs of same dimension (1000 x 1000 x 135mm) were casted. Two slabs were reinforced with an optimum percentage (say 0.3%) of polypropylene fiber and one slab is taken as the control specimen. One of the slabs are Strengthened with BFRP string (obtained from basalt fabrics) having a fan shape as a new strengthening technique. For strengthening 16 double strand strengtheners were used and strengthened from a critical distance for punching shear of d/2 from the column face. Another slab is strengthened with basalt strip in a radial pattern.The result reveals that the suggested strengthening technique increased the load carrying capacity and enhances the ductile behavior of the flat slab in comparison with the unstrengthen slab. These strengthening methods are capable of enhancing both maximum loading capacity and reduce the formation of retraction crack thus avoids brittle failures that may occur under line loading. This method of strengthening improves the bearing capacity of the slab without increasing the size of the structural components.

Evaluation of Insulation against Contact Heat, Radiant Heat and Sensory Comfort of Basalt Fabric-Based Composites with Parylene C Coating

Abstract The article concerns research on using Parylene C coating on basalt fabric-based composites with potential use in protective clothing to improve their insulation against contact heat and radiant heat, as well as the sensory comfort of the user. The outcomes of the contact heat method showed that applying Parylene C coating improved the thermal insulation of all tested composites. Two of them achieved the first efficiency level of protection. The results of the radiant heat method presented that using the Parylene C coating did not cause changes in the thermal insulation against heat radiation of all tested materials; the radiant heat transfer index reached values in the range of 12.4 - 12.9 s. X-ray tomography (micro-CT) allowed for identifying breaks/snaps in basalt fibers irritating the user’s skin in direct contact with the composite. Micro-CT results also showed that using Parylene C coating eliminated the effect of skin irritation and increased the usability of basalt fabrics in clothing.

Experimental investigation and design-oriented model for concrete column confined with textile reinforced geopolymer composites

The present study deals with an experimental investigation on concrete columns (small-scale) confined with TRM (textile reinforced mortar) having geopolymer-based matrix. Two different types of fibers for the textile were used, namely basalt and glass, while the number of layers varied ranging between 2 and 4. Furthermore, hybrid textile confinement, obtained by installing glass textile inner layer coupled with basalt textile outer layer, was tested. In addition, a pilot sample was also considered with geopolymer matrix-only confinement. From the experimental results, the confinement was found to be effective in increasing axial strength proportionally to the number of textile layers. An increase in the compressive strength of 43.7% and 47.7% was recorded for the four layers of glass and basalt textile, while a maximum axial ductility of 2.18 and 2.19 was obtained for three and four layers of glass and basalt textiles, respectively. Furthermore, both the hybrid textile and the matrix-only configurations have demonstrated a significant improvement in strength. Based on the experimental findings, a theoretical model was empirically calibrated to predict the compressive strength of TRM-confined columns. While the existing models on TRM generally neglect the matrix’s contribution according to the FRP-based (fibre reinforced polymer) theory, the present study reports and discusses a new design-oriented model considering both the confining matrix and textile effects.

The effect of hexagonal boron nitride nanopowders addition on the mechanical behaviors of basalt fabric reinforced composites

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of doping element on the structural, thermal properties, mechanical performance and the failure mechanism of hexagonal nano boron nitride (h-BN)-reinforced basalt fabric (BF)/epoxy composites produced by hand lay-up and vacuum bagging technique. h-BN particles doped to composite materials increased the tensile, bending and impact strength of the composite at certain rates while 1 Wt. % h- BN addition shows the highest tensile and flexural strength. Design/methodology/approach The epoxy resin was doped with h-BN nanopowder at the certain rates (0, 1, 2 and 4 Wt.%) and the epoxy: hardener ratios used in the study were selected as 80%: 20% by weight. Then, with the aid of a roller by hand lay-up method, a mixture of epoxy + hardeners containing nanoparticles and nanoparticle-free were fed onto BFs, 12 layers of each dimension 30 cm × 30 cm. The surplus epoxy resin was moved away from the composite sheets using the vacuum bagging process and left to cure at room temperature for 24 h. ASTM D3039 for tensile, D7264 for three-point bending and D256 for Izod impact test were performed for the mechanical tests. After the tensile test, the morphologies of the fracture surface were examined with a stereomicroscope and various failure mechanisms are highlighted. Findings In this study, a series of basalt/epoxy composites with h-BN nanopowders have been prepared to identify the effect of filler ratio on mechanical properties. It has been known from the results of mechanical experiments that the addition of h-BN improves the mechanical performance of materials at a certain rate. The tensile and flexural strengths of h-BN doped composites, increase for concentrations of 1 Wt.% h-BN, but decrease with the increasing content of it. The basalt/epoxy resin composite with higher mechanical properties could be a potential material in the automotive and aerospace industries. Originality/value The aim of this study is to contribute to literature within the context of this new combination of composites and their mechanical properties, failure mechanisms. It presents detailed characterization of each composite by using X-ray differaction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy.