Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Laminates with Eco-Friendly Bio Resin: A Comparative Study of Mechanical and Fracture Properties

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are widely used in industry due to their impressive strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and high durability. One of the primary components of FRPs is synthetic resins, specifically epoxy, which has been identified as harmful to the environment. To address this concern, an eco-friendly alternative made from basalt fibres and bio resin has the potential to reduce the environmental impact. This study investigates Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) laminates manufactured using two bio resins, AMPRO™ BIO and Change Climate, comparing them to one conventional epoxy resin, WEST SYSTEM®, in terms of tensile modulus, strength and fracture toughness, as well as shear properties. The results indicate that BFRP laminates made with bio resins exhibit comparable or better mechanical properties to their conventional counterparts with tensile strength being between 6 and 17% more in bio resins compared to the conventional resin, thereby paving the way for further exploration of sustainable FRP laminates in future engineering applications.