Special manufacturing and characteristics of basalt fiber reinforced hybrid polypropylene composites:: Mechanical properties and acoustic emission study

Basalt fiber reinforced, polypropylene matrix hybrid composites were manufactured in the process of carding, needle-punching and pressing. Hemp, glass and carbon fibers were applied besides basalt fiber in these composites. In order to achieve a sufficient interfacial adhesion, the fibers were treated with the reaction mixture of maleic acid anhydride and sunflower oil. The hybrid effect in these composites was examined as a function of fiber content and fiber combination. The strength properties of hybrid composites improved owing to surface treatment and this was proven by mechanical tests and microscopic analysis, as well. Acoustic emission methods revealed that there is a correlation between the physical parameters of sound waves that occurred during failure and the mechanical properties. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.