Investigation of Fire Resistance and Thermal Wear Behavior of Chopped Basalt and Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Abstract This study focuses on the investigation of fire resistance and thermal wear behavior in epoxy composites reinforced with chopped basalt and glass fibers. While epoxy resins are widely used due to their high strength, chemical stability, and dimensional reliability, their inherently low flame-retardant capability restricts applications in safety-critical areas. To address this limitation, basalt and glass fibers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix at weight fractions of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%. Fire performance was assessed through the UL-94 vertical burning test, during which dripping, cotton ignition, and flame spread were monitored. Additionally, tribological experiments were conducted at 25°C, 50°C, and 100°C to evaluate volume loss, friction coefficient, and surface morphology. The results revealed that glass fiber additions led to modest improvements in flame resistance (V2–V1 levels), whereas basalt fiber reinforcement achieved V0 classification, demonstrating markedly higher flame-retardant efficiency. Moreover, basalt fibers provided superior wear resistance at elevated temperatures, attributed to their higher elastic modulus and thermal stability. Overall, the findings highlight the suitability of basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites for advanced applications in transportation, construction, and aerospace sectors where both fire safety and thermal durability are essential.