Flexural Response of Woven Basalt/Epoxy Composites with CNTs Enhanced Matrix

The aim of the present work is to study the reinforcing effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the flexural properties of basalt reinforced epoxy composites. To do so, the epoxy matrix of composites was modified through adding CNTs at various contents of 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt.% to improve their flexural behaviors. CNTs were dispersed in the epoxy matrix using ultrasonic and mechanical methods. The results demonstrated that the addition of CNTs provided an enhancement in the flexural properties of basalt/epoxy composites. Composites modified with 0.3 wt.% CNTs showed higher flexural properties as compared to the other ones. Adding 0.3 wt.% CNTs increased the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and energy absorption of basalt/epoxy composite by 25%, 35%, and 37%, respectively. The observed improvements in the flexural properties of hybrid composites are attributed to the reinforcing effect of CNTs in these materials.