Basalt Fiber-reinforced Composites Research Articles

Investigation on mechanical properties and wear behavior of basalt fiber and SiO2 nanofillers reinforced composites

This study explored the fabrication and evaluation of basalt fiber-reinforced composites containing silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanofillers. Hand layup followed by vacuum bagging was used to create composite specimens with mold dimensions of 300 × 300 × 3 mm³. The mechanical properties, hardness, and wear resistance of the fabricated composites were assessed according to ASTM standards. SiO2 nanofillers significantly improved the flexural properties of the composites, with a remarkable increase of 178 % and 26 % in flexural strength and modulus, respectively. Additionally, the tensile strength and modulus of the composites were also enhanced. The hardness reached a maximum of 86 at 6 wt % SiO2, and the wear resistance improved owing to the better interfacial bonding and reduced wear debris size. Wear tests revealed that SiO2 nanofillers reduced the wear rate and weight loss, which was attributed to improved interfacial bonding and reduced wear debris size. The FESEM analysis provided insights into the fracture mechanisms, showing enhanced energy dissipation and controlled crack propagation. The study concluded that SiO2 nanofillers enhance the mechanical properties and durability of fabricated composite laminates.

Sustainable basalt fiber reinforced polyamide 6,6 composites: Effects of fiber length and fiber content on mechanical performance

The aim of this study is to explore the use of sustainable basalt fiber (BF) as compared to glass fiber and talc in injection molded engineering polyamide 6,6 (PA 6,6) plastic composite. Basalt fibers having lengths of 3 mm and 12 mm were added to PA 6,6 at 23 and 30 wt.% to fabricate the composites. The addition of basalt fiber restricts the mobility of the polymer chain in the composites, leading to its increased viscosity. Rheological results showed that the out-of-phase response to the applied stress indicated that the 3 mm basalt fiber composite could dissipate more energy, and the elastic behaviour of the composite under deformation increased with increasing basalt fiber wt.%. The fiber length had a larger effect on the mechanical properties of the composites as compared to the fiber load. The 12 mm basalt fiber composites at 23 wt.% and 30 wt.% produced higher tensile strength and modulus than the 3 mm basalt fiber composites while the 3 mm basalt fiber composite at 30 wt.% resulted in a 25 % increase in flexural strength. The experimental and the theoretical modulus predicted by the rule of mixtures showed an interaction between the matrix and the basalt fiber. Morphological analysis shows more agglomeration in composites with 3 mm fiber than the 12 mm. Glass fiber-reinforced PA 6,6 showed slightly higher performance than basalt fiber-reinforced PA 6,6. However, the basalt fiber-reinforced composites demonstrated better performance in tensile strength, flexural modulus, flexural strength, and heat deflection temperature than talc-reinforced composites.

Effects of High Temperature and Different Salt Solutions on Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Composites’ Bonded Joint Durability Impact

Fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in industrial development due to their excellent performance, and the study of basalt fiber-reinforced resin (BFRP) as a new type of economical and environmentally friendly material is highly valued, since harsh environments can affect the durability of bonded joints. In this paper, the Araldite® 2015 adhesive for BFRP–BFRP single lap joints (SLJs) was selected as the subject of study and the joints were analyzed in aging experiments in three environments: deionized water (DW), 3.5% NaCl solution, and 5% NaCl solution at 80 °C for 0 days (no aging), 10 days, 20 days, and 30 days. Using Fick’s second law to describe water absorption in joints and materials, the comparison shows that the water absorption in the joints occurs primarily in the adhesive. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to characterize the decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the adhesive at each failure point, and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests showed that moisture and heat led to the degradation of the polymer material in the joint. The failure strength of the joints in quasi-static tensile tests was positively correlated with the moisture content of the solution, and the changes in the absorption peaks of the functional groups of the adhesive after aging were observed. The comprehensive macro-micro failed section analysis showed that the water molecules damage the chemical properties of the adhesive, meaning that the adhesive and BFRP binding ability is decreased. The proportion of failure section tear decreased with the extension of the aging time, and a high temperature induced water evaporation and an adhesive post-curing reaction. The change in the failure mode is a result of the combined effect of the post-curing effect and hydrolysis reaction, which is validated by the results of the Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the effect of moisture and heat on the residual properties of bonded joints.

A Review on Basalt Fiber and Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: Advancement and Industrial Applications

Abstract: Basalt fiber is a type of mineral fiber that is derived from basalt rock. It has excellent mechanical properties, high resistance to chemicals, superior thermal stability, and good resistance to moisture. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly as it can be easily recycled. All these properties are better when compared to E-glass, which uses many industries for structural applications. The use of basalt fiber reinforced composites (FRC) in industries is still limited because there isn't enough information available about them and their production is not yet at a large scale. This makes them more expensive to produce, which reduces their adoption in industrial applications. This paper critically evaluates the current knowledge and understanding of basalt FRC and highlights the growing interest in researching and publishing articles related to basalt composites. In addition to reviewing the current state of knowledge on basalt fiber reinforced composites, this paper also shares information about the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of basalt fibers. It also includes some data on the environmental impact of producing basalt fiber reinforced composites and reviews the typical industrial applications where they can be used.

Investigation on cryogenic mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

In this paper, basalt fiber reinforced composites were investigated as potential structural material of the Type III tank inside cryo-pressure vessel. Towards that end, unidirectional basalt fiber reinforced polymer (UN-BFRP) composites with two different fiber diameters were manufactured by an impregnation and winding technology and were tested at both room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). For comparison, unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (UN-CFRP) composites were also tested under the same conditions. UN-BFRP with 13 μm fiber diameter fiber demonstrated a 52.4% increase in tensile strength at 77 K against that at room temperature and 52.3% increase in flexural strength and 69.1% increase in compressive strength. And the tensile strength of the UN-BFRP was almost equal to UN-CFRP at 77 K and the compressive strength was even higher than that of the UN-CFRP. Then, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed the good compatibility between the basalt fiber and epoxy resin matrix at low temperature, which was ascribed to the mechanical enhancement of the UN-BFRP. Furthermore, the tensile fracture strain of the UN-BFRP at 77 K increased by 23.1% against that at room temperature. The test and evaluation results show the possibility of the cryogenic application of the UN-BFRP and it will be used for the design parameters input of the reinforcing materials of the cryo-pressure vessel and other cryogenic structural components.

Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Carbon/Basalt/SiC Nanoparticle/Polyester Hybrid Composite Materials

In recent years, many researchers have focused on the preparation of carbon and basalt fiber-reinforced composites. As a result, the composites have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional materials such as wood, steel, and aluminum. Carbon and basalt fibers were used in a bidirectional woven mat, with particulates varying from 0 to 15 wt% nanoparticle SiC. The hybrid laminates were fabricated through vacuum bag infusion methods. The novelty of the research work lies in studying the influence of nanoparticle SiC-combined carbon and basalt fibers arranged in six stacking sequences, with LY556 used as polyester matrix. Specimens were prepared and tested as per ASTM standards. Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were performed on the obtained specimens and average values were obtained. It was found that 15% SiC filler addition enhanced (20%) the mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscope photos revealed the bonding between the fiber mat and the matrix of thecrystal structure. The obtained tensile strength was 346 MPa and the flexural strength was 388 MPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that mechanical properties were improved with the addition of 15% SiCnanoparticles. Hence, this method can be used to manufacture structural applications and automotive parts.

Dual Modification of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Ethyl Cellulose and Poly(dimethylsiloxane) as Sustainable Construction Materials

Dual Modification of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Ethyl Cellulose and Poly(dimethylsiloxane) as Sustainable Construction Materials

Corrosion mechanism and degradation behavior of basalt fiber-reinforced composites in sulfuric acid solution

Epoxy resins reinforced by basalt fibers were treated with a sulfuric acid solution for different periods and concentrations. The tensile strength of the composites was examined after the treatment. The fracture surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The tensile strengths of the sulfuric acid solution-treated samples showed a decreasing trend with treating times and concentrations. However, after 250–500 h of treatment time, the tensile strengths showed an increasing trend. Based on the experimental results, the possible corrosion mechanisms were explored. Sulfuric acid leads to insoluble sulfur oxide formation with high C, Ca and Fe element contents on the fiber surface. With the continuation of sulfuric acid reaction, a thin corrosion shell covers the whole fiber surface. The thickest corrosion shell caused a significant increase in the tensile strength at the breaking of basalt fibers.

Nanofiber–sheathed structure for enhancing interfacial properties of basalt fiber-reinforced composites

Basalt fibers (BFs)-reinforced composites exhibit inadequate interfacial properties because of its chemically inert surface. In this paper, we applied the electrospinning method to prepare polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber-sheathed BFs (SBFs). The SBFs were further used to synthesize novel BFs-reinforced epoxy composites with enhanced interfacial properties. A fiber pull-out test was used to assess the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the composites. The results showed a 31.33% increase in the IFSS of the BFs composites after introducing the PAN nanofiber-sheathed structure at the optimal electrospinning parameters. The improvement originates mainly from the formation of a gradient interfacial layer between the BFs and the epoxy matrix. The gradient interfacial layer enables uniform stress transfer from epoxy to BFs and promotes interfacial adhesion. The method used in this work is suitable for a cost-efficient, continuous large-scale production using a straightforward preparation process.

Review of research on basalt fibers and basalt fiber-reinforced composites in China (I): Physicochemical and mechanical properties

This paper reviewed the research progress in China on the durability, acid and alkali corrosion resistances, thermal insulation, sound insulation, and hygroscopic properties of basalt fibers (BFs) as well as the physicochemical and mechanical properties of BF-reinforced resin composites. The acidity coefficient and pH value of BFs and glass fibers (GFs) were tested, which showed that BFs had better chemical stability. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the acid corrosion of BFs gradually occurred from the outside to the inside, whereas the alkali corrosion of BFs occurred nearly simultaneously both inside and outside. Moreover, the reasons for these results were analyzed from a chemical reaction perspective. BFs met the thermal conductivity and sound absorption coefficient requirements of building thermal insulation and sound absorption materials. The hygroscopicity of BFs was 1/8–1/6 that of GFs, and BFs also had a smaller dielectric loss angle. Tests confirmed that BFRC exhibited great high-temperature resistance. As the short BF content increased, the flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and impermeability of BFRC significantly improved, and an optimal fiber length and content were proposed. A comparison showed that the mechanical properties of BF-reinforced resin were generally better than those of GF-reinforced resin. Finally, this review identified some concepts to be studied in this field and prospects for possible future research directions. [Formula: see text]

Interfacial Polarization in Thermoplastic Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Composites.

The aim of this work was to study the interfacial behavior of basalt-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic blends of polypropylene and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PP/PBT). We examined the effect of two compatibilizers and two basalt fiber (BF) sizings: commercial (REF) and experimental (EXP). Differential scanning calorimetry was used to assess the influence of BFs on the phase structure of obtained composites. Furthermore, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy was used for the first time to non-destructively study the interfacial adhesion within an entire volume of BF-reinforced composites by assessing the α relaxation, DC conductivity, and Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) polarization. The fiber–matrix adhesion was further investigated using the Havriliak–Negami model. Using complex plane analysis, the dielectric strength, which is inversely related to the adhesion, was calculated. The composites reinforced with EXP fibers showed significantly lower values of dielectric strength compared to the REF fibers, indicating better adhesion between the reinforcement and blend matrix. Static bending tests also confirmed improved fiber adhesion with EXP fibers, while also suggesting a synergistic effect between compatibilizer and sizing in enhancing interfacial properties. Thus, we conclude that substantially improved adhesion of PP/PBT BF-reinforced composites is the result of mutual interactions of functional groups of blend matrix, mostly from blend compatibilizer, and fiber surface due to sizing.

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

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.

Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Nanoclay Particles

Mechanical and dynamic characteristics of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites were experimentally investigated in terms of natural frequency and damping properties. Epoxy resin of BFRP composites was modified by nanoclay (NC) particles at different weight contents (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt%). Mechanical tests were performed with tensile, flexural, and impact measurements in accordance with ASTM standards. Impact properties of the samples were evaluated by using Charpy impact tests in accordance with ISO 179/92 standards for both of edgewise and flatwise impact directions. After the mechanical and impact tests, damage mechanisms of the fractured samples were analyzed over the damaged regions, and their morphologies were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy. In vibration tests, dynamic properties such as loss and storage modulus were evaluated only for fundamental natural frequency, and their corresponding damping properties were measured by using the half-power bandwidth method from frequency response curves. Results showed that the small amount of NC particle incorporations into BFRP composites was found the most effective for damping and natural frequency of the produced NC modified basalt/epoxy nanocomposites, and incorporation of NC particles into the epoxy resin improves the flexural strength up to the 29%, tensile strength up to the 7.61%, and impact resistance (edgewise impact) up to the 16.8%, at NC contents of 1.5, 2, and 0.5 wt%, respectively.

Viscoelastic and dry-sliding wear properties of basalt fiber-reinforced composites based on a surface-modified graphene oxide/epoxy matrix

The current study focuses on the development of silanized graphene oxide reinforced basalt fiber/epoxy composites for enhanced tribological and viscoelastic properties. The modified-graphene oxide nanoplatelets were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman analyses. Pin-on-disk wear test and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis were conducted to determine the tribological and viscoelastic properties of the fabricated specimens with different silanized-graphene oxide loadings in the matrix (0–0.5 wt.% at a step of 0.1). The multiscale specimens were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique. The best silanized-graphene oxide loading for effectively enhancing the tribological properties was found to be 0.4 wt.%, whose wear rate and friction coefficient were 62% and 44%, respectively lower than those of the neat basalt/epoxy composite. The examination of the worn surfaces showed the enhanced basalt fiber/epoxy bonding in graphene oxide-reinforced specimen. From the results of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, the specimen filled with 0.4 wt.% silanized-graphene oxide demonstrated the highest increase of 130% and 13.6℃ in the storage modulus and glass transition temperature as compared to the neat composite. This study indicated that the addition of silanized-graphene oxide considerably enhanced the tribological and viscoelastic properties of the fibrous composites.

Effect of fiber type, fiber content, and compatibilizer on two-body abrasive wear performance of HDPE matrix composites

This study puts forth the synergistic effect of fiber concentration and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) compatibilization on the abrasive wear properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Composites including carbon, basalt, jute and coconut short fibers with different weight ratios were processed by melt blending and then tested by using a pin-on-disc abrasive wear tester in dry sliding conditions. The test rig was also equipped with a vacuum system, for the first time, to promote two-body abrasive wear of the composites by reducing the wear debris which may be trapped in the wear track and alter the wear properties. In addition, fiber and coupling agent concentrations and test parameters were investigated using L16 full-factorial experimental design and the relationships between these parameters and wear behaviors of the composites were analyzed on the basis of the findings. This work clearly shows that high rigidity obtained by fiber contribution was not beneficial from the abrasive wear resistance point of view, due to repeated plowing effect of the counterpart material under the test conditions. Nevertheless, basalt fiber-reinforced composites showed higher wear resistance than other composites. Except for coconut fibers, PE-g-MA exhibited good miscibility between fibers and matrix, and thus an enhancing effect on the hardness values, and also wear resistance of the samples. Briefly, the rigidity and miscibility of the composites were found in balance for optimum wear rates.

Ozonization of SWCNTs on thermal/mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced composites

To move forward in large steps rather than in small increments, the community would benefit from a systematic and comprehensive database of multi-scale composites and measured properties, driven by comprehensive studies with a full range of types of fiber-reinforced polymers. The multi-scale hierarchy is a promising chemical approach that provides superior performance in synergistically integrated microstructured fibers and nanostructured materials in composite applications. Achieving high-efficiency thermal conductivity and mechanical properties with a simple surface treatment on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is important for multi-scale composites. The main purpose of the project is to introduce ozone-treated SWCNTs between an epoxy matrix and basalt fibers to improve mechanical properties and thermal conductivity by enhancing dispersion and interfacial adhesion. The obvious advantage of this approach is that it is much more effective than the conventional approach at improving the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of materials under an equivalent load, and shows particularly significant improvement for high loads. Such an effort could accelerate the conversion of multi-scale composites into high performance materials and provide more rational guidance and fundamental understanding towards realizing the theoretical limits of thermal and mechanical properties.

Cure behaviors of furfuryl alcohol/epoxy/methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride and their enhanced mechanical and anti-acid properties of basalt fiber reinforced composites

Catalyzing furfuryl alcohol and epoxy simultaneously with a suitable catalyst plays a key role in the preparation of high-performance blends. Herein, methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride was utilized to cure furfuryl alcohol/epoxy resins, which reacted with epoxy firstly, then catalyzed the furan reaction and also linked furfuryl alcohol and epoxy. Moreover, partly ring-opened furan further catalyzed the curing reaction of epoxy. The addition content of methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride affected the curing behaviors of furfuryl alcohol/epoxy blends, and their Tg and char yield at 700 °C reached the maxima of 140 °C and 16.79% respectively as the content increased to 50%. The mechanical and anti-acid properties of basalt fiber-reinforced composites were further studied. The mechanical properties of composites changed identically to those of the matrix did. Furfuryl alcohol improved the acid resistance of composites, probably because furan could be cured in acidic condition and basalt fiber was resistant to acid. All these changes were related to the curing mechanism and crosslinking density of furan/epoxy/methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride blends.

Effect of hydrophilic graphite flake on thermal conductivity and fracture toughness of basalt fibers/epoxy composites

In this work, we fabricated basalt fiber-reinforced epoxy composites using natural graphite flakes. The composites were reinforced with various concentrations of natural graphite flakes. Natural graphite flakes significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites, such as the critical stress intensity factor (KIC) and critical strain energy release rate (GIC). In particular, basalt fiber-reinforced composites containing 20 wt% of natural graphite flakes exhibited highest mechanical behavior compared. The fracture toughness mechanisms were illustrated using a crack theory based on morphology analyses of fracture surfaces. In addition, the composites exhibited high thermal stability and thermal conductivity, attributed to the exceptional thermal stability and thermal conductivity inherent in the natural graphite flakes. We observed a direct linear relationship between thermal conductivity and fracture toughness through certain polar components of surface energy. The natural graphite flake particles improved mechanical and thermal properties by performing a crack pinning role in the epoxy-matrix composites.

Hygrothermal effect on natural frequency and damping characteristics of basalt/epoxy composites

This research focuses on the experimental and analytical study of hygrothermal effects on natural frequency of fibre reinforced plastic composites. Fiber reinforced composites are widely used in structural applications like aero industry, marine industry, civil industry ext; due to its good strength and stiffness. But these composites absorb moisture or water when it is used in the moisture environment and the composites will be swollen and which reduces the strength and stiffness of the material. This moisture may lead to reduction of strength and stiffness Natural frequency of materials is connected to stiffness of the material. This work is concentrated on how the natural frequency of Basalt Fiber reinforced composites (BFRP) are affected due to weave pattern, thickness of the material, water absorption at various immersion conditions. Three types of Basalt fabrics are selected (Plain weave, twill weave and qudraxial) BFRP composites with two different thickness(3mm, 5mm)are fabricated using hand lay-up process..Fabrication of composite materials using basalt fibres has been done. We have chosen materials with two different thickness and also basalt fibre with different weave patterns. The experimental setup for beams has been done. Moisture absorption co-efficient is determined by immersing the material in mineral water at various time durations. Modal analysis have been carried out to determine the natural frequency and damping coefficient for BFRP composites with three different weave patterns and two different thickness. Results shows that damping coefficient varies with weave pattern and moisture conditions.

Modification of surface functionality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on fracture toughness of basalt fiber-reinforced composites

In this work, we studied the influence of surface functionality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced composites. Acid and base values of the MWCNTs were determined by Boehm's titration technique. The surface properties of the MWCNTs were determined FT-IR, and XPS. The mechanical properties of the composites were assessed by measuring the interlaminar shear stress, fracture toughness, fracture energy, and impact strength. The chemical treatments led to a change of the surface characteristics of the MWCNTs and of the mechanical interfacial properties of MWCNTs/basalt fibers/epoxy composites. Especially the acid-treated MWCNTs/basalt fibers/epoxy composites had improved mechanical properties compared to the base-treated and non-treated MWCNTs/basalt fibers/epoxy composites. These results can probably be attributed to the improved interfacial bonding strength resulting from the improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion between the epoxy resin and the MWCNTs.