VNR VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,

HYDERABAD – 500 090

DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING

Fabrication and testing of fiber reinforced composites using

Basalt fiber and SiO2 nanoparticles
Project work Review
by

MD AMER AHMED (21075A2408)

P. MAMATHA (21075A2410)
J.SUMITH REDDY (20071A2412)

Project Supervisor
Mr. BALAPPA B HADAGALI
Designation: Assistant Professor
 ABSTRACT
• This project focuses on the fabrication of a composite material by combining basalt fibers, glass
fibers, silicon nanoparticles, and epoxy resin. The goal is to create a composite with improved
mechanical properties suitable for various applications.
• The basalt fibers, glass fibers, and silicon nanoparticles are combined and impregnated with the
epoxy resin
• The mixture is then placed into a mold and subjected to pressure or vacuum to remove air bubbles
and enhance consolidation. After curing according to epoxy manufacturer guidelines, the composite
is demolded, and optionally post-cured for further property enhancement

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING 2
 INTRODUCTION
• Basalt Fiber: Basalt fiber is a type of fiber derived from basalt rock. It is known for its high strength-to-
weight ratio, resistance to corrosion and heat, and overall durability. Basalt fibers are often used as
reinforcement in composite materials to enhance their mechanical properties.
• Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting polymer that, when cured, becomes a strong and rigid
material. It is commonly used as a matrix material in composites because of its excellent adhesion, high
mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. When combined with reinforcement materials like basalt
fibers, it creates a composite material with enhanced properties.
• Glass Fiber: Glass fibers are widely used reinforcement materials in composites. They are made from melted
glass that is drawn into fine fibers. Glass fibers are known for their high strength, good electrical insulation
properties, and cost-effectiveness.
• Silicon Dioxide Nanotubes: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanotubes, also known as nanotubes or nanofibers, are
very small structures made of silicon dioxide. These nanotubes can be added to composite materials to
enhance various properties, such as mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical properties.
• Combining basalt fibers with epoxy resin and glass fibers, silicon dioxide nanotubes is a way to create
composite materials with a tailored combination of mechanical, thermal, properties. The specific properties
of the resulting composite will depend on factors such as the proportions of each component, the
manufacturing process, and the intended application.
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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING 3
 LITERATURE REVIEW
[1]V., et al Fiore, "A review on basalt fibre and its composites. Composites Part B," vol. 74, pp. 74-
94, 2015, in-depth discussed what basalt fibres are and constructed fibre reinforced composites
utilising basalt and glass fibres. The performance of the basalt material in terms of young's modulus,
compressive and bending strength, impact force, and energy has been discussed by the writers in this
study work.
[2]H., Sun, Y., Yu, Y., Zhang, M., Li, L., & Ma, L Liu, ""Effect of nano-SiO2 modification on mechanical
and insulation properties of basalt fiber reinforced composites." ," Polymers , vol.
14(16), p. 3353., 2022. In this paper the author provides the information on a basalt fiber modification
method—SiO2 coating, and tests the insulation and mechanical properties of the modified composite.
He used nano-SiO2 coating solution to modify basalt fiber, and manufactured BF/resin composite
(BFRP) by hand lay-up and hot-pressing technology, and experimentally analyzed the influence of
nano-SiO2 content on the mechanical and insulation properties of the modified composite.

VNR VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, HYDERABAD – 500 090
DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING 4
[3]Jianbo, et al. Zhou, ""Enhancing the interfacial adhesion between continuous basalt fibers and
epoxy resin by depositing silicon dioxide nanonparticles."," Journal of Industrial Textiles 51.2_suppl ,
pp. pp.3309S-3329, 2022. in this journal the author explains inorganic silicon dioxide (SiO2)
nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of continuous basalt fibers (CBFs) to enhance the
interfacial interactions between CBFs and epoxy matrix (EP) and the tensile strength of composites.
According to results from scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, the surface
morphology of CBFs changes from smooth to rough with the increase of SiO2 deposition content.

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 OBJECTIVES
• To identify and characterize the properties of basalt fibers, glass fibers, SiO2 nanoparticles, and
epoxy resin.
• To determine the optimal proportions of basalt fibers, glass fibers, and SiO2 nanoparticles to achieve
a balanced combination of mechanical strength, stiffness, and thermal stability.
• To conduct mechanical tests, such as tensile, flexural, and impact tests, on the fabricated composite
to evaluate its strength, stiffness, and toughness compared to individual materials.

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING 6
 Methodology
1
• Literature review

2
• Material selection

3
• Fabrication

4
• Testing
5
• Result and discussion

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Properties of Basalt fiber
Basalt fiber is a type of material derived from the natural volcanic rock called basalt. It is
often used as a reinforcement material in composites due to its excellent mechanical
properties. Here are some key properties of basalt fiber:
• Tensile Strength: Typically ranges from 2500 to 4800 MPa (363,000 to 696,000 psi).
• Young's Modulus (Stiffness): Around 80 to 90 GPa (11.6 to 13.1 million psi).
• Density: Approximately 2.7 g/cm³ (0.097 lb/in³).
• Corrosion Resistance: High resistance to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive agents.
• Thermal Stability: Can withstand temperatures up to 700°C (1292°F) without significant
degradation.
• Fire Resistance: Basalt fiber is non-combustible and does not melt easily.
• Electrical Insulation: Excellent electrical insulator.
• Resilience: Good impact resistance and resilience.
• UV Resistance: High resistance to UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
Basalt fiber Glass fiber SiO2 NP

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Properties of SiO2 nanoparticles
The mechanical properties of SiO2 nanoparticles can vary based on factors such as their size, shape,
crystal structure, and manufacturing methods. Here are some approximate mechanical property values
for SiO2 nanoparticles:
• Hardness: The hardness of SiO2 nanoparticles can vary, but it's typically in the range of 5 to 7 on the
Mohs scale.
• Young's Modulus (Stiffness): The Young's modulus of SiO2 nanoparticles is typically around 70 to 80
GPa
• Tensile Strength: SiO2 nanoparticles are often used as fillers in composites, and their tensile strength
can vary based on factors like agglomeration and dispersion. As individual nanoparticles, they might
not have a well-defined tensile strength value like bulk materials.
• Flexural Strength: Flexural strength can also vary but is generally in the range of 100 to 300 MPa
(14,500 to 43,500 psi) for nanocomposites containing SiO2 nanoparticles.

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
• Fracture Toughness: The fracture toughness of SiO2 nanoparticles can vary, but it's typically in the
range of 0.7 to 1.2 Mpa
• Elasticity: SiO2 nanoparticles have good elasticity, allowing them to return to their original shape after
deformation. However, their elasticity can change based on factors such as surface modification or
agglomeration.
• Brittleness: Like bulk silica, SiO2 nanoparticles can be brittle materials, which means they are prone to
fracturing under stress without significant plastic deformation.
• Compressive Strength: Compressive strength values can vary widely based on the specific form and
preparation of SiO2 nanoparticles. They can range from 200 to 800 MPa (29,000 to 116,000 psi) or
more.

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Preparation of material for composition
• Fiber Preform Preparation: Basalt fiber and glass fiber
fabrics are pre-arranged into the desired reinforcement
pattern or structure. These fabrics are typically layered to
create a laminate structure.
• Nanoparticle Dispersion: Silicon dioxide nanoparticles are
dispersed into a compatible resin matrix. This can be
achieved using various mixing techniques to ensure even
distribution

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 PROCEDURE FOR COMPOSITION
• Mold Preparation: The mold, typically made of metal or composite materials, is preheated to a specific
temperature that is suitable for curing the resin. The mold may also be coated with a release agent to
facilitate easy removal of the cured part.
• Layup Insertion: The layered fiber preform and resin-infused layers are placed into the mold.
• Molding Process: The mold is closed, and pressure is applied using a hydraulic press. Simultaneously,
heat is applied to activate the resin's curing process. The heat and pressure combination helps
consolidate the fibers, remove air voids, and promote adhesion between layers.
• Curing: The composite is held under pressure and at an elevated temperature for a specific duration,
allowing the resin to cure and harden. The curing process depends on the resin system used and can last
from minutes to hours.
• Cooling: After the curing cycle, the mold is gradually cooled down before demolding to prevent thermal
stress.
• Demolding: The cured composite part is carefully removed from the mold.
• Trimming and Finishing: Excess material or flash is trimmed, and additional finishing processes, such as
sanding or surface treatments, may be applied to achieve the desired final appearance and dimensions.
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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Materials required per laminate

components Quantity Approx price (in rupees)

Basalt fiber 4 sq meter 3000/-

Glass fiber 4 sq meter 300/-

Epoxy 0.5 kg 400/-

Hardner 0.05 kg 100/-

SiO2 nanopaticles 1,2,3 wt% 5000/-

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 Testings
Testing of composites composed of basalt fiber, glass fiber, and
silicon dioxide nanoparticles involves a range of mechanical,
thermal, and physical tests to ensure that the material meets
design specifications and performance requirements. Here are
some of the key tests that could be conducted
• Tensile Test: Measures the material's resistance to axial
stretching. Tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation
at break are determined.
• Flexural Test: Evaluates the material's bending behavior under
load. Flexural strength and modulus are measured.
• Impact test: Is the test of the ability of a material to withstand
impact, used by engineers to predict its behaviour under actual
conditions.
• Microscopic Analysis: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can
provide insights into the composite's microstructure, fiber Universal testing machine (UTM)
dispersion, and nanoparticle distribution.
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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
Flexural testing Izod Impact testing

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Requirements of the composites in Automobile
Automotive Industry: The automotive sector is increasingly focusing on lightweighting to improve fuel efficiency and
reduce emissions. The composite material comprising basalt fiber, epoxy resin, silicon dioxide nanoparticles, and glass
fiber can contribute significantly to this goal:
• Fuel Efficiency: The lightweight nature of the composite helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, leading to
improved fuel efficiency. This is particularly important in electric vehicles, where reducing weight can extend the range
of the vehicle on a single charge.
• Structural Rigidity: The composite's mechanical properties, including its stiffness and strength, can enhance the
structural rigidity of the vehicle. This contributes to improved handling, stability, and safety.
• Crash Performance: The composite's impact resistance can enhance crashworthiness, protecting occupants during
collisions.
• Vibration Damping: The composite's properties can help dampen vibrations, leading to a quieter and more
comfortable ride.
• Design Flexibility: The composites can be molded into various shapes and sizes, enabling innovative designs that can
optimize aerodynamics and aesthetics.
• Corrosion Resistance: Basalt fiber is naturally resistant to corrosion, which can extend the lifespan of vehicle
components exposed to harsh weather conditions and road chemicals.

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 EXPECTED OUTCOME
• Improved Strength and Stiffness: Both basalt fibers and glass fibers are known for their high
strength and stiffness. By combining them with epoxy resin as the matrix, the resulting composite
would likely exhibit higher overall strength and stiffness compared to the individual components.
• Enhanced Durability: Basalt fibers are highly durable and corrosion-resistant, which can improve the
overall durability of the composite material. Epoxy resin can protect the fibers from environmental
factors and provide resistance to chemical and moisture damage.
• Tailored Thermal Conductivity: Silicon dioxide nanotubes can enhance the thermal conductivity of
the composite. Depending on the proportion of nanotubes used, the composite material could have
improved heat dissipation properties, making it suitable for applications where temperature
management is important.
• Potential for Lightweight Design: Basalt fibers and glass fibers are both lightweight materials. When
combined with epoxy resin, the resulting composite can offer a high strength-to-weight ratio,
allowing for lightweight structures that can withstand heavy loads.

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. REFERENCES
• Bazil, M.; Abolfazli, M. Mechanical Properties of Fibre Reinforced Polymers under Elevated Temperatures: An
Overview. Polymers,2020, 12, 2600.
• Yan, L.; Chu, F.L.; Tuo, W.Y.; Zhao, X.B.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, P.Q.; Gao, Y.B. Review of research on basalt fibers and
basalt fiberreinforced composites in China (I): Physicochemical and mechanical properties. Polym. Polym.
Compos. 2021, 29, 1612–1624.
• Prasad, V.V.; Talupula, S. A Review on Reinforcement of Basalt and Aramid (Kevlar 129) fibers. Mater. Today
Proc. 2018, 5, 5993–5998
• Jia, H.; Qiao, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Meng, Q.X.; Liu, C.; Jian, X.G. Interface Modification Strategy of Basalt Fiber
Reinforced Resin Matrix Composites. Prog. Chem. 2020, 32, 1307–1315.
• Zhang, L.W.; Kong, H.J.; Qiao, M.M.; Ding, X.M.; Yu, M.H. Growing nano-SiO2 on the surface of aramid fibers
assisted by supercritical CO2 to enhance the thermal stability, interfacial shear strength, and UV resistance.
Polymers 2019, 11, 1397.
• Li, Z.Q.; Zhou,W.B.; Yang, L.; Chen, P.; Yan, C.Z.; Cai, C.; Li, H.; Li, L.; Shi, Y.S. Glass Fiber-Reinforced Phenol
Formaldehyde Resin-Based Electrical Insulating Composites Fabricated by Selective Laser Sintering. Polymers
2019, 11, 135
• "Investigations on Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Composites" V. Vishal, and M. M. Prabhu.
Procedia Engineering, vol. 97,
VNR VIGNANA pp. 2046-2053,
JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF 2014.
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, HYDERABAD – 500 090
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 GANTT CHART
task August September October November December January February March April
Literature
review
selection of
algorithm

Fabrication
of
prototype
Testing

Result
analysis
Report
writing
Publication
Of paper

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
 Thank you

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DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING