Mechanical and dynamic behavior of UHMWPE/Basalt hybrid polymer-matrix composites with garnet filler reinforcement for structural applications

Abstract

In this study, hybrid polymer-matrix composite laminates were fabricated from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and basalt using the hand layup method, with varying proportions of fiber and matrix weight. A mechanical characterisation was performed in accordance with ASTM standards to evaluate tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), hardness, density, and dynamic mechanical properties. Laminates reinforced exclusively with basalt fiber showed a decline in flexural strength, whereas those reinforced solely with UHMWPE fiber displayed a reduction in tensile strength. This reduction is attributed to the fabrication challenges encountered with higher fiber contents. To overcome these limitations, hybrid laminates with varying proportions of UHMWPE fiber (5–15 wt%) were developed. Among these, laminate LD, comprising 45 wt% basalt, 10 wt% UHMWPE, and 45 wt% epoxy, exhibited significant enhancements in both tensile and flexural properties. Further enhancement of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was achieved by incorporating natural garnet filler at 2–5 wt% into low-density (LD) laminates. The optimised laminate, designated LK2, comprising 45 wt% basalt, 10 wt% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), 3 wt% garnet, and 42 wt% epoxy, exhibited a superior tensile strength of 406.4 MPa, a flexural strength of 603.25 MPa, an ILSS of 17.01 MPa, and enhanced damping properties, along with improved microstructure. The findings indicate that LK2 hybrid laminates offer a balanced combination of strength, stiffness, and damping capabilities over a temperature range of 25–140 °C. These properties indicate that LK2 has potential for applications in lightweight structural panels, automotive and transportation interior components, industrial housings, and protective covers.