Alkali-Resistant Coating for Basalt Fibers

The sol-gel method is employed to form zirconia coatings on basalt fibers. Based on morphological features and the elemental composition of the coatings produced under various conditions, as well as data on the tensile strength of single fibers, conditions of the deposition of the coatings are determined that favor the minimization of the negative effect of heat treatment and an oxidizing medium on the properties of the fibers. The corrosion resistance of the basalt fibers in a strongly alkaline medium is studied. It is shown that the deposition of a zirconia protective coating improves the corrosion resistance of the basalt fibers; in this case, the morphology and texture of the zirconia coating are of primary importance.