Mechanical characterization of basalt fiber reinforced poly lactic acid bio composite

In the current investigation, a novel composite is fabricated and tested for mechanical characterization based on basalt fiber and poly lactic acid. Basalt fiber mat was reinforced in the resin of PLA by employing hand lay-up method. The loading of basalt fiber was varied at different proportions as 0, 5, 10, and 15. The prepared samples were characterized for tensile, flexural, impact and hardness. It was found that tensile, flexural and hardness of the composite enhanced with the addition of basalt fiber. However, the impact energy of the composite increased till 10 wt. % of basalt reinforcement and later found reduction at 15 wt.% of reinforcement.