Effect of Coupling Agent Treatment of Basalt Fiber on Mechanical Properties of BF Reinforced PP Thermoplastic Panel

The thermoplastic panel reinforced by basalt fiber (BF) was manufactured in the process of opening, carding and pressing. In order to achieve sufficient interfacial adhesion, the basalt fiber surface was treated with Silane coupling agent KH-550. Effect of coupling modification on mechanical properties of thermoplastic panel was studied. The interfacial adhesion was discussed, adding by scanning electron microscope (SEM) of basalt fibers surface morphology and interface structure. Results have showed that: after KH-550 treatment, the surface roughness of BF changed more, fiber bundles scattered, and the uniformity of breaking strength improved, which is conducive to the fiber opening and carding; KH-550 improved the mechanical properties of thermoplastic panel owing to a good interface between BF and PP matrix. The treated BF could distribute uniformly in the matrix. The mechanical properties of thermoplastic panel could be influenced greatly by KH-550 concentration. With the basalt fibers BF treated by 0.75 wt% of KH-550 as reinforcing material, the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic panel can reach best.