An experimental investigation on the flexural and wear properties of multiscale nanoclay/basalt fiber/epoxy composites

In this work, multiscale basalt fiber/epoxy composites were fabricated using silane-modified Na+-montmorillonite nanoclay, at various contents (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt% with respect to the matrix). Flexural and tribological characteristics of the composites were studied. First of all, a silane coupling agent, namely 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTS), was applied onto the surface of the nanoclay particles, and then the effects of modified nanoclay on the three-point bending and wear properties of the basalt fiber/epoxy composites were assessed. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that the 3-APTS coupling agent was successfully grafted onto the surface of the nanoclay particles after modification. The three-point bending test results demonstrated that the basalt fiber/epoxy composite having 3 wt% modified nanoclay had the highest flexural strength and modulus. On the other hand, the pin-on-disk wear test results showed that the multiscale composite containing 5 wt% modified nanoclay had the highest wear resistance. Finally, the fracture and worn surfaces of the specimens were assessed to identify the dominant mechanisms.