In situfunctionalisation of organomineral hybrid resins for tough basalt fibre reinforced plastics

Abstract

This work addresses the usability of novel and sustainable basalt fibre reinforced composites (BFRP) with special emphasis to their structural integrity and fracture toughness G Ic , compared to state-of-the-art ECR glass fibre composites (GFRP). Toughness was determined via Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) tests and evaluated both the Area Method (AM) and Corrected Beam Theory (CBT) yielding equivalent results. The organomineral matrix (3P Resin®) was made from (poly)isocyanate, water glass, and an environmentally unfavourable phosphate emulsifier. Phosphate was substituted by renewable oil (denoted as 2P resin) what reduced composites' toughness, and thus an in situ functionalisation by silaneterminated polyurethane (STP-U) was performed. Consequently, the 2P/STP-U resin proved better adhesion to fibres and strongly enhanced toughness. G Ic exceeded the conventional 3P composites by 50% (BFRP) and 88% (GFRP), respectively. If both tough and highly sustainable composites are required at the same time, the BFRP with 2P/STP-U is superior to the GFRP solution.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer Lamellas for Renovation of Concrete Structures

“…However, carbon fibres have high amounts of embodied energy (total energy intensity of carbon fibre is estimated to be 284 MJ/kg [7][8][9]) and are generally expensive. On the other hand, basalt fibres are sustainable materials with comparatively lower amount of embodied energy (total energy intensity of basalt fibre of 18 MJ/kg [10][11][12]. Replacing carbon with basalt fibres in FRP for concrete renovation will increase environmental sustainability.…”