Thermomechanical characterization of BFRP and GFRP with different degree of conversion

Thermomechanical behavior of basalt fiber- and glass fiber-reinforced plastics (BFRP and GFRP) was characterized under the same conditions. The effect of an EDI binder formulation on Martens temperature was studied by varying the contents of a curing agent from 75 to 95 parts by weight (pbw) and of an accelerator from 1 to 2 pbw with respect to 100 pbw of an ED-22 resin. The Martens temperature was found to vary from 90 to 113 °С, depending on the component ratio. An optimum binder formulation was chosen, exhibiting stable results on heat resistance after curing at 150 °С for 2 and 10 h. To achieve different degree of conversion, BFRPs and GFRPs were fabricated using the chosen formulation and were cured at 100-110 °С for 30 min and then at 150 °С for 1 and 4 h. The said formulation can be recommended, with the maximum transition point of BFRPs and GFRPs reaching 137 °С.