Improved tensile properties of basalt fibre reinforced polymer composites using silica nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, the effect of silica nanoparticles as the reinforcing filler on the tensile response of basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite was investigated. A 40 wt.% nanosilica gel in epoxy was used to prepare a series of nanocomposites with 5 wt.%, 15 wt.% and 25 wt.% nanosilica. Static uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite to investigate the stress‐strain response of the unmodified and nanomodified composites. It was found that the incorporation of silica nanoparticles with high specific surface area improved the tensile properties of the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite. The addition of silica nanoparticles in the composite shows significant improvement in tensile modulus with 6 %, 14 % and 19 % for 5 wt.%, 15 wt.% and 25 wt.% nanosilica content, respectively. The higher content of silica nanoparticles in the matrix increased the stiffness of the material as well as the strength of the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite without reducing the failure strain.

Tensile and Flexural Properties of Silica Nanoparticles Modified Unidirectional Kenaf and Hybrid Glass/Kenaf Epoxy Composites

“…The addition of nanosilica in FRP composites was also extensively studied by Jumahat and coworkers [ 2 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. It was found that the addition of nanosilica significantly improved the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP).…”

“…The results showed that the presence of spherical silica nanoparticles stiffened the epoxy matrix and offered better lateral support to the carbon fiber, thus improving the compressive properties [ 18 ]. In another study, the presence of nanosilica increased tensile strength up to 60% and improved ductility and toughness of basalt fiber reinforced composites [ 20 ]. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles was also found to improve the open hole compressive strength and stiffness of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), Kevlar fiber reinforced polymer (KFRP) and hybrid GFRP/KFRP composites.…”

“…This was due to the good adhesion bonding of the matrix and fibers and the reduced barreling and crimping of Kevlar fibers [ 16 ]. In addition, the exploration of the addition of nanosilica to different FRPs such as glass fiber [ 17 ], Kevlar fiber [ 16 ], kenaf fiber [ 2 ] and basalt fiber [ 20 ] also revealed significant enhancement of mechanical, thermal and tribological properties. However, it is interesting to note that there were contrasting findings when nanosilica was added to the silane, alkaline and acid surface-treated kenaf fiber composites.…”

Effect of Wear Conditions, Parameters and Sliding Motions on Tribological Characteristics of Basalt and Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites

“…One of possible replacement is basalt fibre. Mineral natural fibres are not new, but their suitability as reinforcement in polymer composite is relatively new issue [ 3 , 4 ]. Basalt fibre is an inorganic fibre that has good strength, modulus, better strain to failure than carbon fibre, high operating temperature range, good chemical resistance, excellent heat and sound insulation properties, low water absorption, easily processed, eco-friendly and inexpensive [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…These properties enable basalt fibre to be applied in geopolymeric concrete, pressure pipes, fibrous insulators, protective clothes, naval applications and fire-blocking materials [ 7 , 8 ]. Over the years, Basalt fibres have been hybridized with traditional fibres such as carbon fibre and glass fibre to develop structural materials [ 4 , 5 , 9 ], and also considered as replacement to traditional fibres by comparing their mechanical properties [ 3 , 7 , 8 , 10 ].…”