Nonlinear modeling on stiffness properties of diatomite-incorporated BFRPs with experimental strength and toughness evaluations

As the siliceous sedimentary rock, Diatomite (DT) with a unique mesoporous structure exhibits outstanding properties like easy accessibility, environment-friendly, nontoxicity-to-human, high mechanical properties, high resistance to heats and chemicals. However, the employment of DT as the additive for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) was rarely reported. Furthermore, to our best knowledge, the micromechanical modeling of DT regarding the special mesoporous structure has not been investigated. Therefore, this study proposed a nonlinear modeling method to investigate the stiffening behavior by incorporating DT into basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP). The relationship between the stiffening behavior and the DT geometries was studied by implementing Cox model and Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka model. Experimental works were also performed to evaluate the strength, stiffness, and toughness of DT-incorporated BFRPs. The enhanced mechanical properties of DT-incorporated BFRPs revealed DT as the promising mesoscale additive for FRPs.