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J. Compos. Sci.
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Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III
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Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fiber Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 30382

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Christoph Kuhn

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Guest Editor
Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg 38440, Germany
Interests: fiber reinforced composites; processing of thermoplastics and thermosets; sustainable material; functional polymers; hybrid/multi-material composites; process simulation; additive manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Discontinuous fiber-reinforced polymers have gained importance in the transportation industries due to their outstanding material properties, lower manufacturing costs and superior lightweight characteristics. One of the most attractive attributes of discontinuous fiber reinforced composites is the ease with which they can be manufactured in large numbers, using injection and compression molding processes.

Typical processes involving discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite materials include injection and compression molding processes as well as extrusion. Furthermore, the automotive and appliance industries also use thermosets reinforced with chopped fibers in the form of sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound, for compression and injection-compression molding processes, respectively.

A big disadvantage of discontinuous fiber composites is that the configuration of the reinforcing fibers is significantly changed throughout production process, reflected in the form of fiber attrition, excessive fiber orientation, fiber jamming and fiber matrix separation. This process-induced variation of the microstructural fiber properties within the molded part introduces heterogeneity and anisotropies to the mechanical properties, which can limit the potential of discontinuous fiber reinforced composites for lightweight applications.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to collect various investigations focused on the processing of discontinuous fiber reinforced composites and the effect processing has on fiber orientation, fiber length and fiber density distributions throughout the final part. Papers presenting investigations on the effect fiber configurations have on the mechanical properties of the final composite products and materials are welcome in the Special Issue. Researchers who are modeling and simulating processes involving discontinuous fiber composites as well as those performing experimental studies involving these composites are welcomed to submit papers. Authors are encouraged to present new models, constitutive laws and measuring and monitoring techniques to provide a complete framework on these groundbreaking materials and facilitate their use in different engineering applications.

Dr. Christoph Kuhn
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • discontinuous fibers
  • chopped fibers
  • short fiber reinforced thermoplastics (SFT)
  • long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT)
  • sheet molding compound (SMC)
  • bulk Molding Compound (BMC)
  • fiber orientation distributions
  • fiber length distributions
  • fiber density distributions
  • fiber attrition
  • micro computed tomography
  • compression molding
  • injection molding
  • compounding
  • fiber reinforced composites
  • processing of thermoplastics and thermosets
  • sustainable material
  • functional polymers
  • hybrid/multi-material composites
  • process simulation
  • additive manufacturing

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6933 KiB  
Article
Evidence for a Giant Magneto-Electric Coupling in Bulk Composites with Coaxial Fibers of Nickel–Zinc Ferrite and PZT
by Bingfeng Ge, Jitao Zhang, Sujoy Saha, Sabita Acharya, Chaitrali Kshirsagar, Sidharth Menon, Menka Jain, Michael R. Page and Gopalan Srinivasan
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(8), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8080309 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 934
Abstract
This report is on magneto-electric (ME) interactions in bulk composites with coaxial fibers of nickel–zinc ferrite and PZT. The core–shell fibers of PZT and Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (NZFO) with x = 0–0.5 were made by electrospinning. Both kinds [...] Read more.
This report is on magneto-electric (ME) interactions in bulk composites with coaxial fibers of nickel–zinc ferrite and PZT. The core–shell fibers of PZT and Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (NZFO) with x = 0–0.5 were made by electrospinning. Both kinds of fibers, either with ferrite or PZT core and with diameters in the range of 1–3 μm were made. Electron and scanning probe microscopy images indicated well-formed fibers with uniform core and shell structures and defect-free interface. X-ray diffraction data for the fibers annealed at 700–900 °C did not show any impurity phases. Magnetization, magnetostriction, ferromagnetic resonance, and polarization P versus electric field E measurements confirmed the ferroic nature of the fibers. For ME measurements, the fibers were pressed into disks and rectangular platelets and then annealed at 900–1000 °C for densification. The strengths of strain-mediated ME coupling were measured by the H-induced changes in remnant polarization Pr and by low-frequency ME voltage coefficient (MEVC). The fractional change in Pr under H increased in magnitude, from +3% for disks of NFO–PZT to −82% for NZFO (x = 0.3)-PZT, and a further increase in x resulted in a decrease to a value of −3% for x = 0.5. The low-frequency MEVC measured in disks of the core–shell fibers ranged from 6 mV/cm Oe to 37 mV/cm Oe. The fractional changes in Pr and the MEVC values were an order of magnitude higher than for bulk samples containing mixed fibers with a random distribution of NZFO and PZT. The bulk composites with coaxial fibers have the potential for use as magnetic field sensors and in energy-harvesting applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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12 pages, 2689 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Fire Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy and Epoxy-Based Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene Modification
by Tatjana Glaskova-Kuzmina, Sergejs Vidinejevs, Olegs Volodins, Jevgenijs Sevcenko, Andrey Aniskevich, Vladimir Špaček, Dalius Raškinis and Gediminas Vogonis
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(8), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8080290 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
This research aims to develop fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) with enhanced fire resistance, which can be particularly useful for the transport industry (e.g., aviation, automotive, and train production). The fire retardation was achieved through epoxy matrix modification with hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCTP). First, the fire-resistant and [...] Read more.
This research aims to develop fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) with enhanced fire resistance, which can be particularly useful for the transport industry (e.g., aviation, automotive, and train production). The fire retardation was achieved through epoxy matrix modification with hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCTP). First, the fire-resistant and mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix filled with different HCTP contents (4.8, 7.2, and 9.5 wt.%) were studied to select the most effective HCTP content for the impregnation of FRC. Then, glass, basalt, and carbon fiber fabrics were impregnated with epoxy filled with 7.2 wt.% of HCTP, and the fire resistance, flexural, and interlaminar fracture properties were studied to select the most effective HCTP-modified type of fiber reinforcement based on the test results. It was concluded that basalt fiber impregnated with epoxy filled with HCTP could be selected as the most effective reinforcement type, allowing excellent mechanical and flame-retardant properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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20 pages, 9420 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Adhesion in Woven Fabric-Reinforced Laminates (FRLs) Using Novel Yarn Pullout in Laminate Test
by Feyi Adekunle, Ang Li, Rahul Vallabh and Abdel-Fattah M. Seyam
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(7), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8070242 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1277
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced laminates with flexibility (FRLs) are becoming increasingly crucial across diverse sectors due to their adaptability and outstanding mechanical attributes. Their ability to deliver high performance relative to their weight makes them indispensable in lighter-than-air (LTA) applications, such as aerostats, inflatable antennas, surge [...] Read more.
Fiber-reinforced laminates with flexibility (FRLs) are becoming increasingly crucial across diverse sectors due to their adaptability and outstanding mechanical attributes. Their ability to deliver high performance relative to their weight makes them indispensable in lighter-than-air (LTA) applications, such as aerostats, inflatable antennas, surge bladders, gas storage balloons, life rafts, and other related uses. This research delved into employing woven fabrics as the reinforcement material and explored how their specific parameters, like fiber type, fabric count (warp thread density × weft thread density), fabric areal density, and fabric cover influence the bonding and mechanical properties of laminates. A thorough analysis encompassing standard T-peel (ASTM standard D1876) and a newly proposed yarn pullout in laminate test were conducted on laminates fabricated with various woven reinforcements, each with its unique specifications. The T-peel test was utilized to gauge the adhesive strength between FRL components, offering crucial insights into interfacial bonding within the laminates. Nevertheless, challenges exist with the T-peel test, including instances where the adherents lack the strength to withstand rupture, resulting in unsuccessful peel propagation and numerous outliers that necessitate costly additional trials. Thus, our research group introduced a novel yarn pullout in laminate test to accurately assess adhesion in FRLs. This study uncovered correlations between both adhesion tests (T-peel and yarn pullout in laminate), indicating that the innovative yarn pullout in laminate test could effectively substitute for characterizing adhesion in FRLs. Furthermore, the findings unveiled a complex relationship between woven fabric specifications and laminate properties. We noted that variations in fiber type, yarn linear density, and adhesive type significantly impacted adhesion strength. For instance, Kevlar exhibited markedly superior adhesion compared to Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) when paired with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) adhesive, whereas UHMWPE demonstrated better adhesion with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Moreover, the adhesion quality lessened as fabric count increased for the same adhesive quantity. These discoveries carry practical implications for material selection and design across industries, from automotive to aerospace, offering avenues to enhance FRL performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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16 pages, 5413 KiB  
Article
Influence of Glass Microfibers on the Control of Autogenous Shrinkage in Very High Strength Self-Compacting Concretes (VHSSCC)
by Lucas Onghero, Marcelo Tramontin Souza, Daniel Cusson and Wellington Longuini Repette
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030101 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1591
Abstract
High-performance concrete (HPC) is widely used in infrastructure for its durability and sustainability benefits. However, it faces challenges like autogenous shrinkage, leading to potential cracking and reduced durability. Fiber reinforcement offers a solution by mitigating shrinkage-induced stresses and enhancing concrete durability. In this [...] Read more.
High-performance concrete (HPC) is widely used in infrastructure for its durability and sustainability benefits. However, it faces challenges like autogenous shrinkage, leading to potential cracking and reduced durability. Fiber reinforcement offers a solution by mitigating shrinkage-induced stresses and enhancing concrete durability. In this sense, this study investigates the use of glass microfibers to mitigate autogenous shrinkage and early-age cracking in high-strength self-compacting concrete. Samples were prepared with two water-to-binder ratios (w/b): 0.25 and 0.32; and three glass microfiber contents: 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30 vol.%. The concrete mixtures were characterized in the fresh state for slump flow and in the hardened state for compressive strength, static, and dynamic Young’s modulus. Unrestrained and restrained shrinkage tests were also conducted in the seven days-age. The findings revealed that glass microfibers reduced the workability in mixtures with lower slump flow values (w/b of 0.25), while less viscous mixtures (w/b of 0.32) exhibited a slight improvement. Compressive strength showed a proportional enhancement with increasing fiber contents in concretes with a w/b ratio of 0.32. A contrasting trend emerged in concretes with a w/b ratio of 0.25, wherein strength diminished as fiber additions increased. The modulus of elasticity improved with fiber additions only in the matrix with a w/b ratio of 0.25, showing no correlation with compressive strength results. In shrinkage tests, the addition of glass microfibers up to specific limits (0.20% for a w/b ratio of 0.25 and 0.25% for w/b of 0.32) demonstrated improvements in controlling concrete deformation in unrestrained shrinkage analyses. Concerning cracking reduction in restrained concrete specimens, the mixtures did not exhibit significant improvements in crack prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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14 pages, 1142 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Stress Intensity Factor of a Fibre Embedded in a Matrix
by Mostafa Barzegar, Josep Costa, Daniel Trias, Jose M. Guerrero, Claudio Lopes and Carlos Gonzalez
J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7010022 - 10 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1658
Abstract
The analytical or numerical determination of the stress intensity factor (SIF) in cracked bodies usually assumes the body to be isolated. However, in fibre-reinforced composites, the fibre, which is the main load-carrying component, is embedded in a matrix. To clarify the effect the [...] Read more.
The analytical or numerical determination of the stress intensity factor (SIF) in cracked bodies usually assumes the body to be isolated. However, in fibre-reinforced composites, the fibre, which is the main load-carrying component, is embedded in a matrix. To clarify the effect the embedding matrix has on the SIF of the fibre, we propose a 3D computational model of an orthotropic fibre embedded in an isotropic matrix, and compute the SIF using the J-integral method. A parametric analysis based on dimensionless variables explores the effect of the fibre–matrix stiffness ratio as well as the effect of the degree of elastic orthotropy of the fibre. The results show that the SIF is strongly influenced by both factors, and that the matrix reduces the SIF by limiting the crack opening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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22 pages, 6634 KiB  
Article
Digital Manufacture of a Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Matrix Truss Core Structural Panel Using Off-the-Tool Consolidation
by Mark E. Bourgeois and Donald W. Radford
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(11), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6110343 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2103
Abstract
Sandwich panels are commonly used as structure, based on fiber reinforced composites, with the goal of high flexural stiffness and low mass. It is most common to separate two high performance composite facesheets with a low-density core, generally in the form of a [...] Read more.
Sandwich panels are commonly used as structure, based on fiber reinforced composites, with the goal of high flexural stiffness and low mass. It is most common to separate two high performance composite facesheets with a low-density core, generally in the form of a foam or honeycomb. A recent concept has been to replace these traditional core materials with fiber reinforced truss-like structures, with the goal of further reducing mass. A system is described that can radically reduce the amount of tooling required for truss core sandwich panel manufacture. This system, which is a digital manufacturing platform for the extrusion of continuous fiber reinforced commingled glass fiber/PET tow, was developed to demonstrate the rigidization of composites both on, and off, a tool surface. Navtruss core panels were successfully manufactured using this digital manufacturing platform, without conventional tooling, and the resulting through thickness compression moduli and panel shear moduli were within 14.6% and 23% of the values baseline compression molded specimens. Thus, the results suggest that, with further development, complex truss core structures with performance approaching that of compression molded panels can be manufactured with radically reduced tooling requirements from high volume fraction, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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10 pages, 1695 KiB  
Article
Physico-Chemical Characterization of Alkali-Treated Ethiopian Arabica Coffee Husk Fiber for Composite Materials Production
by Berhanu Tolessa Amena, Holm Altenbach, Getechew Shunki Tibba and Nazia Hossain
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(8), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6080233 - 7 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2519
Abstract
Chemical treatment is a significant factor in improving the natural fiber quality for composite materials production. In this study, the alkaline treatment of Ethiopian Arabica coffee husk by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was performed to improve the fiber quality. A total of 10% ( [...] Read more.
Chemical treatment is a significant factor in improving the natural fiber quality for composite materials production. In this study, the alkaline treatment of Ethiopian Arabica coffee husk by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was performed to improve the fiber quality. A total of 10% (w/w) NaOH has been applied for the alkaline treatment. Comprehensive physicochemical characterizations, such as proximate analysis, cellulosic composition, porosity, and structural analysis of treated and untreated coffee husk, have been conducted and compared. The experimental results showed that lignin and hemicellulose were reduced by 72% and 52%, respectively, thus improving the overall fiber quality. Therefore, this study indicated alkaline treatment of Ethiopian coffee husk is effective for fiber quality enhancement. It can be applied as a potential feedstock for fiber production in the composite production sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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13 pages, 3961 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Tribological Performance of Abaca-Reinforced Epoxy Composite under Dry Contact Conditions
by Marko Milosevic, Dragan Dzunic, Petr Valasek, Slobodan Mitrovic and Alessandro Ruggiero
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(7), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6070204 - 14 Jul 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
This paper presents tribological research of an abaca fiber-reinforced epoxy composite material, analyzing fiber orientation and its effect on the tribological performances of the composite. The extremely low viscosity epoxy resin reinforced with NaOH-treated long abaca fibers is investigated under the different operating [...] Read more.
This paper presents tribological research of an abaca fiber-reinforced epoxy composite material, analyzing fiber orientation and its effect on the tribological performances of the composite. The extremely low viscosity epoxy resin reinforced with NaOH-treated long abaca fibers is investigated under the different operating conditions. The unidirectional abaca fibers reinforced the epoxy resin and formed composite specimens with fibers in three directions, parallel (P-O), anti-parallel (AP-O) and normal (N-O), while keeping the sliding direction. The specimens were fabricated using fiber volume fractions of 10 vol%, 20 vol% and 30 vol% using the vacuum infusion technique. The block-on-disc (BOD) apparatus has been used to exhibit the tribological tests. Normal loads of 35 N and 45 N have been used for testing purposes. The experimental results indicated that the presence of abaca fiber significantly improved the wear characteristics of the matrix. An increased coefficient of friction was observed in samples with anti-parallel-oriented fibers at an applied load of 35 N. The conducted research shows that the use of abaca fibers as fillers could improve the tribological characteristics of the epoxy resin-based composite material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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11 pages, 2796 KiB  
Article
Mean Value-Amplitude Method for the Determination of Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Short Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
by Joachim Hausmann, Esha, Stefan Schmidt and Janna Krummenacker
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(6), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6060179 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1559
Abstract
Short fiber reinforced thermoplastics show distinct anisotropic behaviors due to their microstructure. The mechanical testing of specimens cut from injection molded plates at different angles to the injection molding direction reveals direction-dependent properties. However, these results are an average value for the tested [...] Read more.
Short fiber reinforced thermoplastics show distinct anisotropic behaviors due to their microstructure. The mechanical testing of specimens cut from injection molded plates at different angles to the injection molding direction reveals direction-dependent properties. However, these results are an average value for the tested cross section, which in more detail has a core-shell microstructure. When analyzing the stresses and deformation of a structural component, the local anisotropy will be very different compared to these tensile specimens. Therefore, a methodology is needed to transfer the properties obtained by mechanical testing to the local properties of an injection molded component. The core-shell microstructure and tests with different specimen thicknesses enable the determination of microstructure-dependent material properties. This paper presents a method using a mean value representing isotropy and an amplitude applied to the mean value to determine orientation-dependent mechanical properties. The amplitude in turn depends on the degree of anisotropy. The method is applied for extracting the anisotropic Young’s modulus of the core and shell layer of short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 46. The results obtained by this method and their reliability are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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30 pages, 17442 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of SMC Compression Molding in Confined Regions—A Comparison of Simulation Approaches
by Florian Rothenhäusler, Nils Meyer, Simon Wehler, Martin Hohberg, Maik Gude, Frank Henning and Luise Kärger
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6030068 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4392
Abstract
The compression molding process of sheet molding compound (SMC) is an economical manufacturing process for lightweight parts. However, molding defects, such as fiber matrix separation, and fiber re-orientation, may develop during the molding process in confined regions, such as ribs and bosses. Hence, [...] Read more.
The compression molding process of sheet molding compound (SMC) is an economical manufacturing process for lightweight parts. However, molding defects, such as fiber matrix separation, and fiber re-orientation, may develop during the molding process in confined regions, such as ribs and bosses. Hence, the mechanical properties of the composite depend on the local fiber architecture. Consequently, this work compares the predictive capabilities of tensor-based and directly modeled process simulation approaches regarding compression force, fiber volume content and fiber orientation on the example of honeycomb structures molded from SMC. The results are validated by micro-computed tomography and thermal gravimetric analysis. The fiber orientation in the honeycomb varies between individual samples because a sheet molding compound is macroscopically heterogeneous and thus the fiber architecture is strongly influenced by random events. Tensor-based fiber orientation models can not reliably predict fiber volume content and fiber orientation in the part’s thickness direction if there is a lack of scale separation. Therefore, directly modeled process simulations should be preferred in cases in which fiber length and mold dimensions prohibit scale separation. The prediction of fiber volume content is a difficult task and no simulation can predict the severity of fiber matrix separation precisely in all cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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Review

Jump to: Research

43 pages, 13005 KiB  
Review
Effects of Low-Velocity-Impact on Facesheet-Core Debonding of Natural-Core Composite Sandwich Structures—A Review of Experimental Research
by Michael Ong and Arlindo Silva
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8010023 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2338
Abstract
Sandwich composites are often used as primary load-bearing structures in various industries like aviation, wind, and marine due to their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, but they are vulnerable to damage from Low-velocity-impact (LVI) events like dropped tools, hail, and birdstrikes. This often [...] Read more.
Sandwich composites are often used as primary load-bearing structures in various industries like aviation, wind, and marine due to their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, but they are vulnerable to damage from Low-velocity-impact (LVI) events like dropped tools, hail, and birdstrikes. This often manifests in the form of Facesheet-Core-Debonding (FCD) and is often termed Barely-Visible-Impact-Damage (BVID), which is difficult to detect and can considerably reduce mechanical properties. In general, a balsa core sandwich is especially vulnerable to FCD under LVI as it has poorer adhesion than synthetic core materials. A cork core sandwich does show promise in absorbing LVI with low permanent indentation depth. This paper also reviews surface treatment/modification as a means of improving the adhesion of composite core and fiber materials: key concepts involved, a comparison of surface free energies of various materials, and research literature on surface modification of cork, glass, and carbon fibers. Since both balsa and cork have a relatively low surface free energy compared to other materials, this paper concludes that it may be possible to use surface modification techniques to boost adhesion and thus FCD on balsa or cork sandwich composites under LVI, which has not been covered by existing research literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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26 pages, 4503 KiB  
Review
Developments and Industrial Applications of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials
by Indraneel R. Chowdhury, Richard Pemberton and John Summerscales
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(12), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6120367 - 5 Dec 2022
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7618
Abstract
Basalt mineral fibre, made directly from basalt rock, has good mechanical behavior, superior thermal stability, better chemical durability, good moisture resistance and can easily be recycled when compared to E-glass fibres (borosilicate glass is called ‘E-glass’ or ‘electric al-grade glass’ because of its [...] Read more.
Basalt mineral fibre, made directly from basalt rock, has good mechanical behavior, superior thermal stability, better chemical durability, good moisture resistance and can easily be recycled when compared to E-glass fibres (borosilicate glass is called ‘E-glass’ or ‘electric al-grade glass’ because of its high electrical resistance) which are traditionally used in structural composites for industrial applications. Industrial adoption of basalt fibre reinforced composites (FRC) is still very low mainly due to inadequate data and lower production volumes leading to higher cost. These reasons constrain the composites industry from seriously considering basalt as a potential alternative to conventional (e.g., E-glass) fibre reinforced composites for different applications. This paper provides a critical review of the state-of-the-art concerning basalt FRC highlighting the increasing trend in research and publications related to basalt composites. The paper also provides information regarding physico-chemical, and mechanical properties of basalt fibres, some initial Life cycle assessment inventory data is also included, and reviews common industrial applications of basalt fibre composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discontinuous Fiber Composites, Volume III)
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