This study is aimed at developing a fibre-reinforced polymer composite with a high bio-based content and to investigate its mechanical properties. A novel basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite with bio-based matrix modified with different contents of star-like n-butyl methacrylate (n-BMA) block glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) copolymer has been developed. n-BMA blocks have flexible butyl units, while the epoxide group of GMA makes it miscible with the epoxy resin and is involved in the crosslinking network. The effect of the star-like polymer on the rheological behaviour of the epoxy was studied. The viscosity of the epoxy increased with increase in star-like polymer content. Tensile tests showed no noteworthy influence of star-like polymer on tensile properties. The addition of 0.5 wt.% star-like polymer increased the glass transition temperature by 8.2 °C. Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness and low-velocity impact tests were performed on star-like polymer-modified BFRP laminates, where interfacial adhesion and impact energy capabilities were observed. Interlaminar fracture toughness improved by 45% and energy absorption capability increased threefold for BFRP laminates modified with 1 wt.% of star-like polymer when compared to unmodified BFRP laminates. This improvement could be attributed to the increase in ductility of the matrix on the addition of the star-like polymer, increasing resistance to impact and damage. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy confirmed that with increase in star-like polymer content, the interfacial adhesion between the matrix and fibres improves.

This study investigates the macro- and micromechanical properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites containing Mg-Al/NO₃ layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with a comparative evaluation of two preparation routes: solvent-exchange and direct drying from an aqueous LDH slurry.,LDHs were characterised using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods. Tensile tests and AFM nanomechanical mapping were used to obtain the macro- and micromechanical properties of LDHs/epoxy nanocomposites, respectively. Both preparation methods resulted in nanocomposites with comparable mechanical performance. Young’s modulus exhibited a significant increase at lower LDHs loadings. The ultimate tensile strength remained largely unchanged compared to pure epoxy. However, a notable reduction was observed at higher content of LDHs, which is attributed to the aggregation of the particles, as shown by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mechanical response and stiffness maps obtained by the peak force AFM nanomechanical mapping revealed that nanocomposites prepared using the solvent-exchanged LDHs samples exhibit significantly narrower interface widths and higher stiffness compared to those made by the conventional approach, indicating improved interfacial bonding and mechanical performance.

This study investigates the macro- and micromechanical properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites containing Mg-Al/NO₃ layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with a comparative evaluation of two preparation routes: solvent exchange and direct drying from an aqueous LDH slurry. LDHs were characterised using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods. Tensile tests and AFM nanomechanical mapping were used to obtain the macro- and micromechanical properties of LDH/epoxy nanocomposites, respectively. Both preparation methods resulted in nanocomposites with comparable mechanical performance. Young’s modulus increased by approximately 30–70% at lower LDH loadings (1–2 wt.%), and the ultimate tensile strength remained largely unchanged compared to pure epoxy. At higher LDH contents, tensile strength decreased by approximately 15–26%, while fracture strain decreased by up to 54%, which was attributed to particle aggregation, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mechanical response and stiffness maps obtained by the peak force AFM nanomechanical mapping revealed that nanocomposites prepared using solvent-exchanged LDHs exhibit significantly narrower interfacial widths and higher stiffness compared to those made by the conventional approach, indicating improved interfacial bonding and mechanical performance. Overall, the solvent-exchange approach proved effective for improving the interfacial properties and stiffness of epoxy/LDH nanocomposites.