Low-temperature effect on the impact and flexural behaviour of basalt composite laminates

Epoxy based laminates reinforced with woven basalt fibres have been manufactured and characterized by quasi-static mechanical tests and low-velocity impact tests. Samples were prepared by infusion of 16 plies of basalt under pre-optimized conditions. All the interlaminar shear strength, flexural and impact tests were carried out at room temperature, −25 °C and −50 °C to investigate the effect of temperature on the mechanical characteristics and the impact damage onset and propagation. Ultrasonic technique were adopted to provide information on the shape and the extent of the internal damage. The final aim was to be able to predict impact energy and delamination under different temperature conditions and to assess the influence of the resin matrix stiffening at low temperature on the composite behaviour. Results show that at low temperature due to the stiffening of the resin matrix, the composite tested is more resistant and less deformable. It is interesting since, at low temperatures, it is more straightforward the damage propagation. In particular, ILSS and flexural tests show a maximum increase of 39% and 12.78% respectively at T = −50 °C compared to the value at room temperature. A delamination area increase of wholly 40% at T = −50 °C, is detected.