Enhanced performance through hybridization: mechanical, dynamic mechanical, flammability, and vibration analysis of natural fibres/basalt/SiO2 composites

Abstract

This research focuses on the development of advanced hybrid composites fabricated through hand layup and compression moulding techniques. The composites consist of 2–4 wt% basalt powder and SiO₂ NPs (silicon dioxide nanoparticles), reinforced with 30 wt% hemp and flax fibres to improve mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. The composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile testing, impact testing, modulus measurements, flexural testing, and dynamic analysis for natural frequency and damping factor. FTIR analysis revealed the key functional groups and chemical bonds present in the material. Mechanical testing showed significant improvements, with tensile strength rising from 25.36 to 134.21 MPa and tensile modulus increasing from 3.36 to 15.64 GPa in the G-type composite sample. The DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis) data demonstrated that the G-type composite exhibited the highest elastic and viscous properties, with a storage modulus of 2215 MPa and a loss modulus of 120 MPa. Specifically, flammability testing indicated superior performance in G-type composites (100.51 kW/m² of HRR & 186.28 MJ/m² of THR), primarily due to the synergistic effects of basalt powder, SiO₂ NPs, and natural fibres. Furthermore, the G-type composites displaced enhanced structural stability and energy dissipation, evidenced by a natural frequency of 101 Hz in vibration analysis. Overall, these findings suggest that these hybrid composites have strong potential for application in aerospace, automotive, marine, construction, and infrastructure industries.