Developments and Industrial Applications of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials

Abstract

Basalt mineral fibre, made directly from basalt rock, has good mechanical behavior, superior thermal stability, better chemical durability, good moisture resistance and can easily be recycled when compared to E-glass fibres (borosilicate glass is called ‘E-glass’ or ‘electric al-grade glass’ because of its high electrical resistance) which are traditionally used in structural composites for industrial applications. Industrial adoption of basalt fibre reinforced composites (FRC) is still very low mainly due to inadequate data and lower production volumes leading to higher cost. These reasons constrain the composites industry from seriously considering basalt as a potential alternative to conventional (e.g., E-glass) fibre reinforced composites for different applications. This paper provides a critical review of the state-of-the-art concerning basalt FRC highlighting the increasing trend in research and publications related to basalt composites. The paper also provides information regarding physico-chemical, and mechanical properties of basalt fibres, some initial Life cycle assessment inventory data is also included, and reviews common industrial applications of basalt fibre composites.

Natural Fibers Composites: Origin, Importance, Consumption Pattern, and Challenges

“…Natural mineral fibers have demonstrated their efficacy in a number of fields, including electronics, aviation, medicine, seafaring, automobiles, and structural components for concrete. Natural mineral fibers could be classified as toxic (e.g., asbestos) and non-toxic [120,121]. The name "asbestos" is used in commerce to describe a group of amphibole minerals and fibrous serpentine with exceptional tensile strength, moderate chemical resistance, and low heat conductivity.…”

“…The pace at which molten lava cools has a significant impact on the microstructural components of basalt rock. Basalt microstructure shows a potentially crystalline atomic arrangement when the solidification rate is sluggish, whereas a quicker solidification rate results in an amorphous structure [121].…”

“…Table 21. Environmental externalities associated with the production of 1 ton of basalt and glass fiber [121]. The use of basalt as reinforcement of a polymer matrix was reviewed by Tao et al [124].…”

Assessment of thrust force, delamination and temperature during drilling of basalt fiber-reinforced composite with different drill geometries

“…These fibers are mineral fibers with a number of distinct advantages, including high specific mechanical, physical, and chemical properties, biodegradability, and non-abrasive features. It also has greater maximum service temperature and superior chemical resistance, making it suited for applications in hostile environments like oil and gas composite pipes or chemical storage tanks [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Study on the possibilities of effective use of basalt

“…Fibers with their unique properties are widely used in various sectors, including industry, construction and road construction. For example, polypropylene, glass, metal and basalt fibers are used in construction to increase concrete strength [4]. Since 2017, the joint enterprise "Mega Invest Industrial" in the Jizzakh region of our country has launched a basalt fiber production enterprise, which is considered a valuable innovative material in modern construction, and produces a basalt fiber, which is used for making fittings and composite mesh, and produces innovative construction material.…”