PSI - Issue 66

M. Totaro et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 66 (2024) 205–211 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2025) 000–000

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Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites (GFRC) due to their excellent mechanical properties (Morampudi et al., 2020) and they are currently the predominant material used in shipbuilding (Chairi et al., 2024) and wind turbine blades (Beauson et al., 2014) sectors. However, the main disadvantage of Glass Fibres (GF) is their environmental impact starting from the production, which requires significant amounts of non-renewable energy, thus resulting in substantial pollutant emissions, up to the end of life during incineration where they release black smoke and unpleasant odours that are harmful to melting apparatus (Patti et al., 2021). In addition, the more common recycling method of these fibres (Pyrolysis of shredded fibres) results in deterioration of the mechanical properties (Rani et al., 2021), mainly due to the formation of char on the surface of recycled fibres (Pimenta & Pinho, 2011). Moreover, surface treatments are required for this type of process, further damaging the fibres (Cunliffe & Williams, 2003). In the current scientific global scenario, attention to sustainability is becoming a priority, leading to the need for replacing synthetic fibres with more eco-friendly alternatives for producing sustainable composites. In this context, natural fibres are ideal materials due to their abundance, low cost, good mechanical properties, high specific strength, and non-abrasive nature (Joshi et al., 2004). In addition, their eco-compatibility and biodegradable features make them an ideal solution for creating products that promote a circular economy (Maiti et al., 2022). So Basalt Fibre Reinforced Composites (BFRC) have been proposed as a promising alternative to synthetic reinforced composites. Basalt is produced from a natural resource, volcanic rock, directly suitable for fibres manufacturing. Compared with GF, Basalt Fibres (BF) have competitive properties such as extremely good modulus and strength, higher temperature and chemical resistance and resistance to corrosion (Liu et al., 2022). The present study was conducted in the field of a research activity that aims to compare the mechanical behaviour of Basalt and Glass composites, in order to assess the possibility of replacing GF with BF in composites for marine and wind applications. In a design perspective, understanding the failure mechanisms is essential. With this goal, the two different materials failure behaviours are here analysed by using IR Thermography. It will be demonstrated that, in addition to competitive mechanical and ecological properties, BFRC also offer advantageous failure mechanisms for design necessities.

Nomenclature FRP

Fibre Reinforced Polymers GFRC Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites GF Glass Fibre BFRC Basalt Fibre Reinforced Composites BF Basalt Fibre

2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Specimen Preparation

Two composite laminate panels, each measuring 1 m x 1 m, were supplied by the Intermarine S.P.A. shipyard in Sarzana, Italy. One panel is reinforced with GF, while the other utilizes BF. Each laminate is composed of six layers of woven fabric, with an areal weight of 1100 g/m². GF panel thickness is nominally 6 mm and BF panel thickness is 5.5 mm. For BFRC, the reinforcement used in this study is FILAVATM, a high-performance BF developed by ISOMATEX, which is woven into a double-weave Panama-style fabric. On the other hand, the GF reinforcement employs a conventional woven fabric widely used in marine applications. For the matrix, Atlac® 580 AC 300 Vinylester resin, in combination with a NOROX® catalyst, is used. This thermosetting resin is specifically recommended for fibre-reinforced composite structures in marine environments due to its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to water absorption. The laminates were fabricated using a vacuum infusion technique, as shown in Fig. 1a, which involves drawing resin into the laminate under vacuum pressure to thoroughly wet out the fibres. This process is crucial for ensuring consistent fibre wetting and void-free laminates, both of which are essential for achieving high mechanical performance. The resulting panels, depicted in Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c, demonstrate high structural integrity, making them ideal for marine and wind applications. This manufacturing