Comparative Study of the Mechanical and Water Absorption Behaviour of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites with Different Epoxies as Matrix for Biomedical Applications

In comparison to conventional materials, polymer matrix composite materials have witnessed a surge in applicability due to their higher specific strength-to-weight ratio, abundant availability, and ease of shaping. Due to technological, economic, environmental, and societal challenges, bio-based fibers began to emerge quickly for use in industrial components. Due to its unique chemistry-related characteristics, basalt fiber holds a prominent position among the many bio-based fibers. So, it could be thought of used as a replacement for some components used in the biomedical equipments. In the present investigation, plain-woven basalt fiber at a constant percentage of 55% is added as reinforcement to three different epoxy resin-hardener combinations such as Lapox L12-Lapox K6, Araldite LY1564-Aradur 22962, and Araldite LY556-Aradur HY951 as matrix, and comparative studies are carried out. Fabrication is carried out by hand lay-up technique. Test specimens are prepared as per the respective ASTM standards by subjecting the laminate to water jet machining. Mechanical characterization such as tensile, flexural, and density tests is conducted for the test specimen using BISS-50 kN Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Water absorption tests are also conducted for 24 and 48 hours duration. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the highest tensile, flexural strengths are obtained for laminate L3 which used LY556 epoxy and HY951 hardener combination as matrix. Also, less rate of water absorption is seen for L3 laminate for both 24 and 48 hrs which makes it suitable for biomedical applications.