An investigation on the flexural performance of basalt fibers-epoxy hybrid composites reinforced with nanoclay particles

In this investigation, consequence of introducing nanoclay particles on the flexural response of basalt fibers reinforced epoxy composites was examined. To improve the dispersion of nano reinforcements into the polymer matrix, their surface was modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane coupling agent (3-GPTS). Accordingly, the surface functionalization was vouched using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Results of the three-point bending test suggested that the highest enhancement of flexural properties was achieved via 5 wt. % of nanoclay particles. In this case, with the addition of 5 wt. % of nanofillers, flexural strength, flexural modulus, failure strain and energy absorption were increased by 30, 38, 15 and 40 percent, respectively. Microscopic investigations demonstrated that presence of nanoclay particles within the structure of basalt fibers reinforced epoxy composites enhances the stress transfer between epoxy matrix and basalt fibers which, in turn, causes a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of basalt fibers reinforced polymer composites.