Durability of basalt/hemp hybrid composites

This study focused on the performance of injection-molded short hemp fibre and hemp/basalt fibre hybrid high density polyethylene composites. Results showed that hybridization with basalt fibre enhanced the performance properties. Analysis of fiber length distribution in the composite and fracture surface was performed to study the fiber breakage and fracture mechanism. Prolonged moisture absorption and accelerated ageing of short hemp fibre and hemp-basalt hybrid reinforced thermoplastic composites was addressed. Ageing in water did not result in a reduction of the strength of the composite samples, while it was found to decrease stiffness of hemp fibre reinforced composites. Mechanical properties were found to improve with accelerated ageing time, with the exception of Young’s modulus for hemp fibre reinforced composites. A physical ageing of the matrix (secondary crystallization phenomena) was suggested to balance the deleterious combined effects of hygrothermal stress and UV radiation.