Corrosion behaviour and crack formation mechanism of basalt fibre in sulphuric acid

In this investigation, the corrosion behaviour and crack formation mechanism of the basalt fibre exposed to sulphuric acid were studied. For this purpose, different points of the fibre surface were examined by SEM and EDX methods to explain the corrosion behaviour and leaching of non-siliceous ions from the fibre surface. The fracture mechanism of the basalt fibre showed that the spiral and axial cracks were generated at the higher exposure times in comparison with the E-glass fibre. The study on the strength behaviour of the basalt fibre also revealed that the strength degradation of the E-glass fibre was more severe than that of the basalt fibre.

► Basalt fibre can be a suitable replacement for E-glass fibre in corrosive media.
► The strength degradation of E-glass fibre is more severe than that of basalt fibre.
► The fracture mechanisms of these fibres are almost similar except in role of Fe3+.
► Crack formation mechanisms of these fibres are virtually the same.
► In comparison with E-glass, cracks start at higher corrosion time in basalt fibre.