Impact properties of nanomodified basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite is a newly versatile material that has good potential to be used in many applications due to its high specific modulus and strength properties. This paper is aimed to evaluate the response and properties of BFRP composite when it is subjected to low-velocity impact loading. The BFRP laminates were fabricated using vacuum bagging method. The effects of 5, 10 and 15wt% nanosilica particles on density, impact load and energy absorbed were investigated using a drop weight impact test. The damage characteristics of the samples were examined using an optical microscope. The addition of 15wt% nanosilica into Basalt fiber reinforced polymer composite significantly improved the energy absorption properties of the specimens. This suggests that the nanomodified BFRP composite has better damage resistance properties when compared to the pure system.