Basalt-polyester hybrid composite materials for demanding wear applications

Basalt as a filler in a polymer-based composite material fulfils the demand of being natural, environment-friendly material for the production of various composite materials. The material could be used as protective layer and the abrasion should be tested in order to evaluate the properties of the material. The cavitation test enables the evaluation of the possible service in conditions that simulate the extensive erosion. The presence of basalt in the matrix improves the resistance to cavitation. The possibility to further improve the material could be obtained using the reinforcement of the matrix itself by incorporation of submicron ceramic particles into the composite. The obtained hybrid composite material with the addition of reinforcement in the matrix further improves the cavitation resistance.