Preparation, Thermal Analysis, and Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

In this study, basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites with epoxy matrix, 20 layers, and volume fraction of fibers Vf = 53.66%, were prepared by a hand lay-up compression molding combined method. The fabric of the basalt fibers is in twill 2/2 weave. Through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), their viscoelastic behavior at elevated temperatures and in various frequencies was explored, whereas thermomechanical analysis (TMA) took part in terms of creep recovery and stress-relaxation tests. Moreover, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the BFRP composites was determined through the peak of the tanδ curves while the decomposition of the BFRP composites and basalt fibers, in air or nitrogen atmosphere, was explored through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical behavior of the BFRP composites was investigated by tensile and three-point bending experiments. The results showed that as the frequency is raised, the BFRP composites can achieve slightly higher Tg while, under the same circumstances, the storage modulus curve obtains a less steep decrease in the middle transition region. Moreover, the hand lay-up compression molding hybrid technique can be characterized as efficient for the preparation of polymer matrix composites with a relatively high Vf of over 50%. Remarkably, through the TGA experiments, the excellent thermal resistance of the basalt fibers, in the temperature range 30–900 °C, was revealed.

An Application Review of Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Composite

“…As a result, the fiber-matrix interaction leads to good adhesion. Karvanis et al studied the thermomechanical behavior of a 53 Vol.% basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite with epoxy matrix, prepared by a hand layup compression molding combined method, using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA) [37]. The BFRP composites showed very good tensile and flexural strength, indicating that the epoxy matrix formed a very good interfacial bond with the basalt fibers and demonstrating low mechanical behavior in case of a poor bond between matrix and fibers [38].…”

Hybrid and Synthetic FRP Composites under Different Strain Rates: A Review

“…The use of by-products can prevent disposal in landfills and the associated contamination. Other sources for natural fibers are biological, such as air or feathers, which can be mixed with a matrix to obtain composite materials [ 7 , 8 ]. There are many studies that have been conducted to fabricate different kinds of natural fibers from waste by-products [ 5 ].…”

“…Recently, advanced techniques were used to improve the mechanical properties of cellulose fibers. Moreover, different chemical treatments were implemented on the natural fibers to increase their mechanical properties [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Ultraviolet light exposure degradation effect on the properties of nanocrystalline cellulose-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol composite film

“…Few researchers have studied polymer composites' degradation and analysed the changes in their physical, chemical, and morphological properties. Karvanis et al 28 studied UV light's effect on cellulose nanocrystal filled in epoxy. It was stated that the degradation process of polymer composites was dependent on the exposure time of the UV light.…”