Dynamic Mechanical Behavior Of Basalt/Aramid Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Uhmwpe Light Weight Composite

The main focus of this research is to analyze the physical, mechanical, and dynamic-mechanical properties of the high-performance polymer composite. The composites are fabricated by hot compressing basalt and aramid fibers with UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly Ethylene) at 200 degrees C temperature and 200 bar pressure. Four different weight fractions of composites were fabricated namely UBA 1 having 70% UHMWPE, 10% basalt and 20% aramid; UBA 2 having 70% UHMWPE, 15% basalt and 15% aramid; UBA 3 having 70% UHMWPE, 20% basalt and 10% aramid; UBA 4 having 70% UHMWPE, 30% basalt and no aramid. The tensile strength, impact strength, hardness, and storage modulus of UBA 4 were found to be greater compared to the other composites. The UBA1 shows the highest flexural strength compared to the other samples. From XRD, the average crystalline size was calculated as 3.02 nm. The SEM image of the composites shows good adhesion of fibers and matrix in both UBA 1 and UBA 4. The dynamic mechanical properties of UBA 4 were also found to be better compared to all four samples for structural application.