Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Silane-Treated Basalt/Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Abstract

The growing demand for strong and cost-effective construction materials has led to increased research on fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Hybridization of fibers is an effective approach to combine the advantages of different materials. In this study, basalt and glass fibers were used as reinforcements in an epoxy matrix to develop hybrid composites. Basalt fibers provide high stiffness and thermal resistance, while glass fibers contribute to cost reduction and improved toughness. To enhance interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix, a silane coupling agent was applied as a surface treatment. Composite laminates were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique with different stacking sequences of treated fibers. Proper surface preparation was carried out to ensure improved adhesion and minimize internal defects. Mechanical properties of the developed composites were evaluated through tensile, flexural, microhardness, and impact tests. The results indicate that silane treatment significantly improves fiber–matrix bonding, enabling efficient stress transfer and reducing internal weaknesses. Hybrid composites exhibited better strength, stiffness, and toughness compared to single-fiber composites. The combination of basalt and glass fibers, along with chemical surface modification, resulted in enhanced mechanical and thermal performance. This study demonstrates that silane-treated hybrid composites are promising materials for load-bearing structural applications due to their improved performance and cost efficiency.