Processing and Characterization of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Modified with CaCO3 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nowadays, the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used in wide range of applications as they have the ability to replace the conventional materials. In past few years, the natural fibers have gained widespread attention due to their low cost, negligible toxicity, easy availability and good specific properties. Basalt fiber, also known as green industrial fiber, is a fantastic alternative to traditional glass and carbon fibers. Basalt fibers are environmentally beneficial since they are made from readily available volcanic rocks. Recently, the hybridization of the FRP composites with nanofillers has been done by various researchers to improve the properties of composite materials. When two reinforcements are jointly used in a matrix, they provide the synergistic effect that improves the properties of the material. Among the various nanofillers used, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles are being used as fillers in various FRP composites. They are highly economical in comparison to other nanoparticles and provide excellent impact and fire-retardant properties. Hence, the proper selection of matrix material and reinforcement can give a composite with properties even superior to those of the conventional materials. The objective of the present research work is to study the mechanical, flammability and wear properties of nano CaCO3 reinforced basalt fiber/epoxy composites. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS), impact strength and hardness of the composites are analyzed. The moisture absorption behavior of the composites is also studied. Further, the surface properties of the composites are analyzed through drop contact angle measurements. The fire performance of the composites is analyzed through UL 94 horizontal and vertical burning tests, limited oxygen index study and smoke density study. A ball-on-disk tribometer is used for the wear analysis of the composites. Surface morphology study of the fracture surfaces of the composites is made using SEM analysis.