Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2025

Journal Name

Composites Part A

Abstract

Basalt fibers (BFs) have emerged as a promising alternative reinforcement material for developing fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) composites, due to their lower environmental impact compared with traditional fibers such as carbon and glass. However, the weak interfacial bonding between BFs and the polymer matrix limits the mechanical performance of basalt fiber-reinforced polymers (BFRPs). In this work, nanocelluloses (NCs), including cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), were investigated as bio-based interfacial modifiers to enhance fiber–matrix adhesion and improve the mechanical performance of BFRP. While direct incorporation of NC into epoxy resin is challenging due to its poor dispersibility in hydrophobic media, NCs readily redistribute in water because of their hydrophilic nature. Taking advantages of this property, a grafting technique was developed in which NCs were first dispersed in water and then chemically grafted onto silanolfunctionalized BF surface. This novel approach enabled more effective interfacial interaction between the fiber and the matrix. The grafting process was confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fractured surfaces after the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) test revealed the failure mechanisms. Mechanical testing demonstrated that NC-grafted BFRP composites exhibited

Keywords

Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP), Nanocellulose Interfacial bonding, Grafting technique

Rsif Scholar Name

Abdulrahman  Adeiza Musa

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Nigeria

Cohort

Cohort 3

Thematic Area

Minerals, Mining and Materials Engineering

Africa Host University (AHU)

African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Nigeria

Funding Statement

This research was funded by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) institutional program (No. 2Z07041), the K-carbon flagship program (RS-2024-00417417) grant and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology program (No. P0022334) funded by the Korea government (Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy, MOTIE) and by the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) under the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF).

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