Effect of Al2O3 nanofillers in basalt/epoxy composites: Mechanical and tribological properties

In this research, effect of Al2O3 nanofillers on mechanical, wear, and hardness characteristics of basalt/epoxy laminate composites were carried out. Composite laminates of basalt/epoxy with different percentage of Al2O3 nano fillers were manufactured by Hand layup method. Mechanical Properties which includes tensile strength, inter laminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness were investigated as per ASTM standards. Wear tests were carried out for different loads with different sliding velocities keeping sliding distance constant. It was observed that flexural strength and ILSS increases for small percentage of nanofillers, whereas tensile strength deteriorates with increase in percentage of fillers and hardness increases with increase in percentage of fillers. The wear results indicates, the addition of Al2O3 nanofillers significantly reduces the wear loss of basalt/epoxy composites. Fractured and worn surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy images which establishes a good agreement with the obtained results.

Automated summary

The addition of Al2O3 nanofillers in basalt/epoxy laminate composites has significant effects on mechanical, wear, and hardness characteristics, with improvements in flexural strength and ILSS but reductions in tensile strength. Wear tests show a decrease in wear loss with increasing percentage of fillers.