Mechanical Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Basalt–E-Glass Fiber Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Graphite Particles

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the impact of 5g, 10g, and 15g of E-glass chopped mat and graphite powder on the tensile and flexural behavior of a basalt fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminate reinforced with E-Glass fiber and graphite powder. The composites were made using the hand layup technique. The Basalt/E-glass/Graphite epoxy composite was subjected to tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests in compliance with ASTM guidelines. The results show that adding E-glass to the basalt/epoxy composite significantly improved its tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness. However, it was demonstrated that the basalt/E-glass/10% graphite epoxy composite had a higher flexural strength. The improved performance of the successfully produced laminates may be attributed to an efficient dispersion of the reinforcements in the polymeric matrix, which increased surface area for solid interfacial contact and effective load transmission.