Low velocity impact, compression after impact and morphological studies on flax fiber reinforced with basalt powder filled composites

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine the low velocity impact (LVI) and effect of compression after impact (CAI) properties on flax fiber and basalt powder reinforced polyester composites. For this study the 10 layers of flax fiber, basalt powder by varying from 5% to 30% the composites were prepared. In the LVI analysis composite (10 layers of basalt/10% of basalt powder) shows better results about 1755 N of force and for CAI also same composite B experienced with less deformation and more residual energy to absorbing the force of about 2250 N. The addition of filler material up to certain limit will support the reinforcing fiber to achieve some enhanced property. The morphological changes and their properties were assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction Analysis (XRD) studies for particulate basalt powder. The presence of Pyroxene group of rocks in basalt powder responsible for stability in high temperatures seen using XRD analysis. The band width around 3390–3425 cm ^−1 shows the presence of hydroxyl group (OH) in the basalt powder. This proved that the materials are Polar Hydrophilic in nature examined with FTIR spectroscopy.

Keywords

• flax fiber
• basalt powder
• low velocity impact
• compression after impact
• FTIR
• XRD