Properties of Basalt Fiber Core Rods and Their Application in Composite Cross Arms of a Power Distribution Network

Abstract

As basalt fiber has better mechanical properties and stability than glass fiber, cross arms made of continuous basalt-fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites are capable of meeting the mechanical requirements in the event of typhoons and broken lines in coastal areas, mountainous areas and other special areas. In this paper, continuous basalt-fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites were used to fabricate the core rods and composite cross arms. The results verified that basalt fiber composite cross arms can meet the strict requirements of transmission lines in terms of quality and reliability. In addition to high electrical insulation performance, the flexural modulus and the flexural strength of basalt fiber core rods are 1.8 and 1.06 times those of glass fiber core rods, respectively. Basalt fiber core rods were found to be much better load-bearing components compared to glass fiber core rods. However, the leakage current and the result of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveal that the interface bonding strength between basalt fibers and the matrix resin is weak. A 3D reconstruction of micro-CT indicates that the volume of pores inside basalt fiber core rods accounts for 0.0048% of the total volume, which is greater than the 0.0042% of glass fiber rods. Therefore, improving the interface bond between basalt fibers and the resin can further improve the properties of basalt fiber core rods.

Effect of gamma irradiation on morphology and local elemental composition of basalt-based composite material

“…Studies related to the study of the mechanical properties of basalt composites and the use of this material for various products and structures have been the subject of considerable attention of many Russian and foreign scientists, for example [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Basalt composite has serious potential for its widest application, offering an excellent cost-quality ratio, high resistance to aggressive environments of alkalis and acids, good dielectric properties, heat resistance, radio transparency and simple manufacturing technology for various products.…”

Conceptual Design of a Sustainable Bionanocomposite Bracket for a Transmission Tower’s Cross Arm Using a Hybrid Concurrent Engineering Approach

“…In many areas, a latticed transmission tower is usually used due to their ability to withstand higher wind loads and various land topography surfaces. The latticed transmission tower has been widely used in Malaysia since 1929 [4][5][6]. The latticed tower is divided into several sections and components, which include a cross arm, peak, boom tower body, and cage.…”