Application of the Basalt Powder as a Filler for Polypropylene Composites With Improved Thermo‐Mechanical Stability and Reduced Flammability

Abstract

The influence of the basalt powder (BP) on mechanical properties as well as on thermal stability and flammability of the isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites was investigated. Thermo‐mechanical stability of the pure polypropylene and composite materials containing from 5 up to 40 wt% BP was defined in static and dynamic testing conditions with the use of the heat distortion temperature measurement, vicat softening point temperature test, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. All measurements showed, unequivocally, a significant improvement of thermo‐mechanical stability of the composite materials which was directly related to an increasing amount of inorganic filler. A research conducted on the mechanical properties revealed that stiffness and hardness of polypropylene‐based composites was affected by the addition of the filler, leading to a strong increase of both mechanical parameters. Moreover, the application of thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry measurements allowed to determine the composites with highest thermal stability, which was dependent on the concentration of the filler. Changes observed in the polypropylene‐based composites properties were related to an increase of thermal diffusivity caused by presence of the BP measured by modified Angstrom method. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E71–E79, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Hybrid Cellulose–Basalt Polypropylene Composites with Enhanced Compatibility: The Role of Coupling Agent

“…HDT can be related to the stiffness of the resulting composites [ 36 ], and the incorporation of MCC led to a negligible increase in HDT over the neat PP, as evidenced by the modest increase in stiffness already detected in the three-point bending tests ( Figure 14 ). The introduction of basalt fibers caused, for the compatibilized system, a remarkable increase of 76% over the neat PP [ 10 , 12 ], thus substantially broadening the range of potential applications of these composites compared to neat PP.…”

“…An alternative to glass fibers is represented by basalt fibers, which are natural fibers of mineral origin exhibiting mechanical properties comparable, if not superior, to those of E-glass fibers with improved thermal and chemical resistance [ 8 ]. Composites based on basalt fibers have been widely investigated in the literature [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], and their positive effect in combination with natural fibers has been confirmed [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

The Toxicological Testing and Thermal Decomposition of Drive and Transport Belts Made of Thermoplastic Multilayer Polymer Materials

“…Numerous studies have been conducted to increase fire resistance and the effects of combustion and thermal decomposition of polymer composites [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Tang et al [ 39 ] carried out testing on the properties of pure polypropylene (PP) and basalt fiber-reinforced polypropylene (BFRPP) during combustion.…”

“…Adding basalt fiber to PP could slightly reduce the limiting oxygen index [ 39 ]. Barczewski et al [ 40 ] indicated that basalt powder can be used as a filler in order to increase the thermal stability and reduce the flammability of polypropylene composites. Sheng et al [ 41 ] described the method of suppressing fire and smoke during the combustion of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) through the synergistic effect of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and transition metal carbide (MXene) composite aerogels were prepared via the freeze-drying method.…”

“…Nowadays, fiber-reinforced composites are commonly used materials for tension belts. Such material not only provides a high strength-to-weight ratio but also exhibits unique properties such as high strength, stiffness, attenuation property, flexural strength, and resistance to corrosion, wear, impact, and fire [ 40 , 41 , 42 ]. And, more particularly, to an aramid fiber (PA) cord for use as a load carrying component in a power transmission belt and having excellent resistance to flexing fatigue, deformation, and fraying [ 42 ].…”