Preparation and characterization of BF reinforced phenolic resin-based composites

A series of basalt fibers (BF) reinforced phenolic resin-based composites were fabricated and effects of resin content on the tensile strength, compressive strength, interlaminar shear strength, and ablative performance were investigated. To explore the ablative behaviors of the composites in terms of erosion rate and the microscopic pattern of ablation, an oxyacetylene ablation testing system was used. SEM was utilized to study the fracture micro-morphology of the compressive, interlaminar shear and ablative composite samples. The results clearly showed that BF/phenolic resin composites had good interfacial adhesion. Additionally, the mechanical and ablative properties of BF/phenolic resin composite reached the maximum value when the resin content was 36 vol.%.