Physicomechanical Characteristics of Climatically Stable Basalt Plastics in Extremely Cold Climatic Conditions

We consider the climatic stability of basalt plastic composites manufactured from basalt of the Vasilyevskoe deposit in Yakutia. The results of natural tests of reinforcement and laminates confirm the advantage of these materials over glass plastics as regards their strength, moisture resistance, and stability to thermocycling. The expedience of application of basalt plastic composites in northern regions is substantiated. It is shown that in contrast to glass plastics, basalt plastics at early stages of exposure become stronger due to post-curing and reduction of internal stresses, and noticeable degradation becomes dominant after prolonged exposure (~10 years). Analysis of thermomechanical parameters has revealed the decrease in the linear expansion coefficient and the formation of a rigid surface zone. At present, the possibility of obtaining various basalt plastic composites that are cheaper than carbon plastics and stronger than glass plastics after climatic ageing has been proved, which renders them a promising alternative for building in Northern regions.