Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites with a soft‐rigid interfacial structure

Abstract The weak interfacial bonding between basalt fiber (BF) and epoxy resin (EP), as well as the poor tribological properties of the composite material, presents challenges to the potential applications of basalt fiber/epoxy (BF/EP) composites. In this study, polydopamine (PDA) and boron nitride (BN) are employed to modify BF through the oxidative self‐polymerization reaction of dopamine (DA) in weakly alkaline environments and the nucleophilic reaction between DA and BN. A soft‐rigid hybrid interface between BF and the EP matrix is constructed to effectively transfer or dissipate loads from the EP matrix to the BF. Results show that the mechanical performance of the resultant composite is enhanced due to the strong compatibility and mechanical interlocking between the BF and EP. Specifically, the interfacial shear strength between the BF and EP increases by 37.5%, while the flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the modified‐BF/EP composites increase by 39.5% and 25%, respectively. In addition, the tribological characteristics of the modified‐BF/EP composites are enhanced, as evidenced by a 40% reduction in wear rate due to improved interfacial interaction and the self‐lubricating effect of BN. These improvements in performance enhance the commercial application potential of BF/EP composites. Highlights PDA and BN are used to modify BF. A soft‐rigid hybrid interface between BF and EP is constructed. Interfacial shear strength between the modified BF and EP increases by 37.5%. Flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the modified composites are evidently increased. Tribological properties of the modified composites are significantly enhanced.