The Strain Rate Effect on Bending Properties of Basalt and Carbon Fibers Reinforced Phenolic Composites

In this study, the strain rate effect on the bending properties of fiber reinforced composites for three types of polymer composites namely phenolic resin reinforced by woven basalt fibers, woven carbon fibers, and woven basalt/ woven carbon fibers at a total volume fraction of approximately 35% has been determined. Flexural tests have been conducted at low range of strain rates included 0.03 min-1, 0.06 min-1 and 0.09 min-1. Specimens with identical geometry have been used in all the tests. Experimental results showed that the strain rate has a significant effect on the material response in bending. Results showed that, both the flexural modulus and the ultimate flexural strength of the three types of composites are increased with the increasing in the strain rate. Also, the bending properties of composites reinforced with woven carbon fibers are very sensitive to the strain rate during the test.