Low-cycle fatigue properties of basalt fiber and graphene reinforced polyamide 6 hybrid composites
Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites
Published online on August 26, 2016
Abstract
In this study, the effect of graphene content on quasi-static and fatigue mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced polyamide 6 is investigated. Hybrid composites and reference monocomposites were melt compounded, and then specimens were injection molded. Although the presence of graphene caused moderate change in quasi-static tensile properties, remarkable increment in the fatigue properties of hybrid composites was experienced. Hybrid composites with low graphene content withstood higher number of cycles in fatigue tests at the same loading compared to basalt fiber reinforced monocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces revealed proper dispersion of reinforcement in the hybrid materials, an explanation to the better fatigue performance at lower graphene contents.