Influence of CO2 laser surface treatment of basalt fibers on the mechanical properties of epoxy/basalt composites

In fiber reinforced composite materials, the interfacial strength between the fibers and the matrix plays a key role in controlling the stress transfer and damage mechanisms of the composite. In this study, CO2 laser surface treatment of the fibers was investigated as a potential sustainable substitute for conventional chemical treatments, that can be costly and have negative environmental effects. The influence of the laser treatment on basalt fiber fabric was comprehensively investigated. The fibers were subjected to different laser power levels and characterized from a morphological and mechanical point of view. From optical and scanning electron microscopy, it was observed that the treated fibers manifested increased surface roughness along with spots of fused and bonded fibers. Individual treated fibers exhibited improved tensile properties with increased values of scale parameter (by about 21%) in the case of a laser power equal to 1.04 W/mm2, and no substantial changes in Young'...