Analysis of mechanical and thermal properties in sustainable rubber waste/basalt/carbon epoxy hybrid composites

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the development of lightweight composite materials, particularly for automotive and aerospace applications. This study focuses on the fabrication and comprehensive evaluation of multiple fibre (carbon/basalt) and waste rubber reinforced epoxy composites, with particular attention to their mechanical and thermal properties. The waste rubber, sourced from post consumer tyres, was ground into fine particles and subjected to a pre treatment process involving cleaning and drying to promote optimal adhesion to the epoxy matrix. Hybrid composites with varying stacking sequences, incorporating carbon fibre, basalt fibre, and waste rubber, were produced using the hand lay-up technique. Mechanical performance, including tensile strength, flexural properties, and impact resistance, was rigorously assessed for each configuration. Among the tested laminates, those with carbon fibres as exterior layers, basalt fibres as interior layers, and waste rubber as a toughening phase achieved the most balanced mechanical performance exhibiting superior impact resistance while maintaining high tensile and flexural moduli. The incorporation of waste rubber significantly improved the impact resistance of the composites without compromising their structural integrity, highlighting their strong potential for high-performance applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors.