Investigation of the effect of surface modifications on the mechanical properties of basalt fibre reinforced polymer composites

Unsaturated polyester-based polymer composites were developed by reinforcing basalt fabric into an unsaturated polyester matrix using the hand layup technique at room temperature. This study describes basalt fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites both with and without acid and alkali trea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part B, Engineering Engineering, 2012-03, Vol.43 (2), p.812-818
Main Authors: Manikandan, V., Winowlin Jappes, J.T., Suresh Kumar, S.M., Amuthakkannan, P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Fibres
adhesion
Applied sciences
B. Mechanical properties
basalt
Composites
D. Fractography
E. Surface treatments
Exact sciences and technology
fabrics
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
glass fibers
Laminates
Physicochemistry of polymers
polyesters
Polymer industry, paints, wood
scanning electron microscopes
scanning electron microscopy
shear strength
sodium hydroxide
sulfuric acid
Technology of polymers
temperature
tensile strength
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Summary:Unsaturated polyester-based polymer composites were developed by reinforcing basalt fabric into an unsaturated polyester matrix using the hand layup technique at room temperature. This study describes basalt fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites both with and without acid and alkali treatments of the fabrics. The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of surface modifications (NaOH & H2SO4) on mechanical properties, including tensile, shear and impact strengths. Variations in mechanical properties such as the tensile strength, the inter-laminar shear strength and the impact strength of various specimens were calculated using a computer-assisted universal testing machine and an Izod Impact testing machine. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations of the fracture surface of the composites showed surface modifications to the fibre and improved fibre–matrix adhesion. The result of the investigation shows that the mechanical properties of basalt fibre reinforced composites are superior to glass fibre reinforced composites. This work confirms the applicability of basalt fibre as a reinforcing agent in polymer composites.
ISSN:1359-8368
1879-1069
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesb.2011.11.009