Static and fatigue tensile performance of glass/basalt/epoxy hybrid and non‐hybrid fiber composites—Role of hybrid sizings and matrix modifications

Abstract Basalt fibers (BFs) are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to glass fibers (GFs). In this article, the basalt fiber and glass fiber surface were modified using hybrid sizings consisting of silane coupling agent (3‐Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and MWCNTs. The existing sizings were removed from the fiber surface using acetone treatment, and the hybrid sizings were applied to the fiber surface using the dip coating method. The sizings were characterized using SEM‐EDS and AFM. The composites were fabricated using as‐received and hybrid‐sized fibers using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM). The quasi‐static tensile, flexural, short beam shear and fatigue tests were performed on BF/epoxy, GF/epoxy, and hybrid fiber BF/GF epoxy composites. The results showed that the static and fatigue properties were improved by adding multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in the sizings and the matrix. The fatigue life improved by a factor of 2–3 due to matrix or fiber modifications. However, the matrix modifications were more effective in static performance, but the interface design showed better properties in fatigue loading. As in both the treatments, the static and fatigue properties are improved, and the findings obtained could be useful to enhance the life of wind turbine blades or other composite structures which are susceptible to fatigue damage. Highlights The fibers were coated successfully with the GPMS/MWCNT hybrid sizings. SEM‐EDS and XPS characterization showed CNTs adhered to fiber surface. Matrix modification with MWCNTs showed a better tensile strength of epoxy. The static and fatigue properties were improved significantly. Better interfacial bonding in the case of modified matrix and fibers.