Particulate basalt–polymer composites characteristics investigation

Basalt has remarkable physical and mechanical characteristics. However, its use and further processing is limited due to mechanical characteristics, e.g., density, hardness, fraying resistance, etc. The basalt–polymer composite enable maintains of physical and mechanical characteristics, further processing, and broader basalt application in various industries. Consequently, composites characterization, and production process technological parameters influence on the composites properties need to be appraised.Basalt from locality Vrelo, on the eastern hillsides of the Kopaonik Mountain in Serbia was used for evaluation with 18 samples applied for each test. Samples of basalt-polymer composite with various ratios of basalts, polymeric matrixes and additives, and with different basalt particles composite grain size are synthesized to be tested. The results elucidate the composite mechanical properties dependence on the before mentioned parameters. Thus, it is possible to ascertain the most suitable composite with respect to basalt/polymer proportion.Results demonstrate the practicability of the technological procedure development that would result in basalt-polymer composite, an inexpensive material with outstanding characteristics. This composite might be used in the first period for construction, and later for use in industry – especially machine and car industry. Presented data can be of importance for the development of new composite materials (composite basalt stones) which certainly will have significant application in the future.