The Effect of Thermal Treatment on Tensile Properties of Basalt Fibers

摘要

The use of basalt fibers as a reinforcement in various composites requires the application of elevated temperatures during synthesis and processing conditions depending on the technique utilized. In this study, the tensile strength of basalt fibers at room temperature and also after exposure to 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 degrees C in a furnace for durations of 5, 10, 15 and 20 min was investigated. The results indicate that the residual strength of basalt fibers drastically decreases after 20 min exposure at 300 and 400 degrees C and is only about 57 % and 35 % of that of fibers at room temperature, respectively. At 450 and 500 degrees C, this drastic decrease occurs after only 5 min. These results indicate the optimum conditions for processing parameters for basalt fibers and the composites based on them.