Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of MMT-modified Epoxy/basalt

Abstract

In recent years, the use of basalt fibers as reinforcing materials in polymer matrix composites (BFRP) is increasing in many industrial fields due to their high mechanical strength. It is expected that montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticle improves mechanical and thermal properties of BFRP when combined with BFRP. The main object of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of MMT-modified epoxy/basalt woven composites. MMT-modified epoxy/basalt woven composites were fabricated by impregnating woven basalt fibers into epoxy resin mixed with 1 to 3 wt% MMTs. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study failure mechanism of MMT-modified epoxy/basalt woven composites. The results showed that the tensile and wear properties of basalt/epoxy composites are improved by addition of MMTs. However, the improvement of tensile and wear properties depends on the loading of MMTs.mproves mechanical and thermal properties of BFRP when combined with BFRP. The main object of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of MMT-modified epoxy/basalt woven composites. MMT-modified epoxy/basalt woven composites were fabricated by impregnating woven basalt fibers into epoxy resin mixed with 1 to 3 wt% MMTs. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study failure mechanism of MMT-modified epoxy/basalt woven composites. The results showed that the tensile and wear properties of basalt/epoxy composites are improved by addition of MMTs. However, the improvement of tensile and wear properties depends on the loading of MMTs.