The durability of basalt fibres reinforced polymer (BFRP)

The technology of dry assembly for the production of multi-layer panels has evolved over the past 30 years, becoming an efficient alternative to traditional systems. The direction taken by the market has been increasingly drawn to eco-sustainable systems and in this way, the interest in the use of laminated composite panels for cladding, basalt fibres based. Basalt is a natural rock, silica based, which is produced through a variety of industrial processes into filaments, wool, chopped strands and fabrics. It is characterized by high resistance in chemically aggressive environments, high fire resistance, high mechanical resistance to compression and bending. The study focuses on two types of composite laminates produced by means of the technique of vacuum bagging, using layers of unidirectional and random basalt fabrics, with different areal weights, using an epoxy resin as matrix. The laminate samples were subjected to cycles of artificial aging in climatic chamber and outdoor exposure for a year and the parameters considered most significant: flexural modulus, tensile strength and mass, were investigated. The experimental investigations were conducted according to the methodology for the evaluation of the durability of the ISO 15686. Today, this is a requirement as timely as ever after the entry into force of the new EU Regulation 305/2011, which requires, for all construction works, the declaration of ustainability of the product and the requirement of durability, too. The results show the effectiveness over time of produced composite laminates and initial increase of measured performances after accelerated aging.