Structural, thermal and X-ray shielding properties of basalt and glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Composite structures are good candidates to satisfy the required demands with design flexibility and addressed to reach the aimed functionality. We compare the specifications of epoxy-based hybrid composites reinforced with glass and basalt fabrics to meet these requirements. Thermal, structural and shielding properties of multilayered composites are examined with respect to their stacking sequences. X-ray fluorescence spectograms indicate that chemical structures of basalt and glass fibers are nearly similar to each other. Radiation shielding test confirms that BBBBB stacking has a similar half-value length (HVL), tenth-value length (TVL) and mean-free path (MFP) thickness with BBGBB stacking but a higher radiation attenuation rate. Scanning electron microscopy images prove that interbonding between basalt fiber/epoxy is better than that of glass fiber/epoxy. Thermal analysis shows that mass loss per unit time is more self-consistent in case of the presence of glass fabrics as outer layers and basalt fabric as core layer in hybrid composite design. However, the mass loss of BBBBB composite is found impressively lower than GGGGG and hybrid composites. This study offers to use of BBBBB composites to fabricate lightweight and non-toxic shielders. The total cost of the BBBBB composite can be decreased by substituting the core layer with a glass layer to fabricate cost-effective and lightweight shielders.