Review: fundamentals, applications, and progress of basalt fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites

Abstract

This review provides an in-depth overview of basalt fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (BFRTPCs), highlighting their distinctive mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties. It discusses the compatibility of basalt fibers (BF) with various thermoplastic matrices, processing methods, structure-property relationships, and the applications of BFRTPCs in the automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction sectors. The main benefits of using BF in thermoplastic composite parts, such as weight reduction in the logistics sector, are illustrated through multifunctional and cost-effective application examples. The integration of BF into thermoplastics provides important performance advantages, including higher specific stiffness than GF, standardization, cost reduction, and improved interface durability. The influence of the BF inclusions in both short and continuous form on the mechanical, thermal, flame-retardant, and environmental characteristics of its thermoplastic-based composites is summarized. Finally, future prospects and key challenges related to the standardization and industrial adoption of BFRTPCs are discussed.