Fatigue resistance of basalt fibres-reinforced laminates

Fabrics of basalt (BFs), E-glass (GFs), and carbon (CFs) fibers with the same areal density were used to prepare epoxy based laminates. The BF laminates presented elastic moduli and strength values higher than those of the corresponding GF laminates, with tensile strength values near to that of CF laminates. Investigation of the behavior under fatigue conditions indicated superior performances of BF laminates with respect to the corresponding GF composites, with an improved capability of sustaining progressive damaging and slightly higher damping properties. As far as the fatigue behavior is concerned, BFs may therefore represent a valid substitute of GFs in structural composites.