Flexural and Shear Behavior of Basalt-Recyclamine Composites: A Comparative Study with Conventional Epoxy Systems
摘要
This study investigates the flexural and shearing performance of a fully recyclable matrix system used to generate a sustainable composite (basalt fiber-reinforced Recyclamine®). It also compares the composite’s mechanical performance against its close counterpart, basalt-epoxy, manufactured with a commonly used room-cured epoxy system. The mechanical performance of both systems is evaluated, with void content monitored as an influential processing parameter. The composites were prepared using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, and void content analysis showed marginally higher void content in basalt-Recyclamine (4.9%) than in basalt-epoxy (4.4%). The void content was above the optimum values of 1-2% but within acceptable ranges for vacuum-assisted fabrication processes. Experimental characterization included flexural testing and shear testing as per ASTM standards. The results showed that although basalt-Recyclamine exhibited 14.1% lower flexural strength than basalt-epoxy, its flexural modulus was 10.7% higher. Furthermore, the shear strength of basalt-Recyclamine was superior to that of its counterpart by 18.4%, but its shear modulus was 8.5% lower. Microscopic examination showed different failure mechanisms for the two systems, with basalt-Recyclamine undergoing more progressive failure modes. The findings of this study indicate that basalt-Recyclamine composites can offer comparable mechanical performance to conventional epoxy systems, thus facilitating a pathway toward greener future applications of composite materials.
Graphical Abstract