Manufacture Method and Mechanical Properties of Composite Material based on Natural Mineral Fibres and Biodegradable Resin

Environmental problems caused by extensive use of polymeric materials arise mainly owing to lack of landfill space and depletion of finite natural resources of fossil raw materials like petroleum or natural gas. The substitution of synthetic petroleum-based resins with natural biodegradable resins appears to be one appropriate measure to remedy the above-mentioned situation.This study presents the development of a composite that uses environmentally degradable starch-based resin as matrix and natural mineral basalt fibres as reinforcement. Unidirectional prepreg-sheets using basalt fibre roving and bidirectional sheets using plain weave fabric were manufactured by means of a modified doctor blade system and hot power press. The sheets were used to manufacture specimens with fibre volume contents ranging from 33% to 61%. The composite′s mechanical properties were investigated depending on modifications to the processing method and on variation of the fibre volume fraction. Composites manufactured during this study exhibited tensile and flexural strength of up to 517 MPa and 157 MPa, respectively.