Durability of Basalt and Glass Fiber Composites Under Extreme Environments

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the durability and mechanical performance of epoxy‐based glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) and basalt fiber reinforced polymers (BFRP) under varying environmental conditions, including rainwater, distilled water, seawater, and acidic water, at temperatures of 35°C and 50°C. Tensile strength, ultimate load capacity, elastic modulus, and their retention rates were measured over 120, 240, and 480 h. Results indicate that BFRP consistently outperforms GFRP in acidic and seawater environments, retaining up to 85% of its tensile strength and modulus even under the harshest conditions at 50°C, compared to GFRP's retention rates of approximately 80%. In rainwater and distilled water, both materials demonstrated minimal degradation, with BFRP exhibiting slightly higher retention. Elevated temperatures accelerated degradation for both materials, with GFRP losing up to 18% of tensile strength and 15% of modulus in acidic environments, whereas BFRP exhibited reductions of 10% and 12%, respectively. These findings underscore the superior chemical and thermal resistance of BFRP, making it a more suitable choice for aggressive environments. This study provides valuable insights into material selection and protective strategies for FRP‐based structural applications in challenging conditions.