Basalt/E-Glass Woven Fabric–Reinforced Composites
摘要
This chapter elucidates the development of innovative hybrid composites incorporating filler particles, produced via a proposed novel fabrication technique (Atmakuri et al. in Micromach Basel MDPI 13:1–14, 2022 [1]). The hybrid composites were synthesized using a Basalt and E-glass woven fabric reinforced with an epoxy resin matrix amalgamated with graphite powder nanoparticles. Six sets of samples were crafted employing the Vacuum-assisted free lamination compression molding technique. Subsequent to fabrication, the wettability, mechanical properties—comprising tensile, flexural, and impact properties—and moisture characteristics were assessed. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the composite samples were scrutinized utilizing a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and spectroscopy. The findings revealed that integrating filler materials within hybrid composites enhances their properties. Basalt/E-glass hybrid composites containing 10% graphite material demonstrated superior mechanical properties relative to other composites, exhibiting high-quality, enhanced adhesion, and improved surface morphology. Consequently, these novel composites, endowed with an amalgamation of exceptional attributes, hold potential for integration in the design of flexible electronics and microfluidic devices as a structural layer of the system. The pronounced flexibility and favorable surface tension of the designed composites render them desirable for application within the thermal imprint technique employed in microfluidic channel design.