Evaluation of the Effect of polyethylene/SMR20 Hybrid Nanocomposites Reinforced with Basalt Fibers and Graphene using RSM

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the tensile and impact behavior of polyethylene/natural rubber (SMR20)-based hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with basalt fibers and graphene nanoplatelets. The composites were fabricated using an internal mixer followed by compression molding. A Box–Behnken design under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework was applied to optimize formulation parameters and evaluate interaction effects. Three variables were considered at three levels: graphene nanoplatelets (0, 1, and 2 wt%), basalt fibers (0, 10, and 20 wt%), and SMR20 (0, 15, and 30 wt%). Mechanical testing revealed that basalt fibers substantially enhanced both tensile and impact strength, with tensile strength increasing by up to 48% (from 19.9 MPa to 29.5 MPa) and impact strength by 37% (from 93 J/m to 127 J/m) compared to the unreinforced matrix. Incorporation of 1 wt% graphene nanoplatelets further improved these properties through better interfacial bonding, whereas higher loadings caused agglomeration and reduced performance. Increasing SMR20 content improved impact strength owing to greater flexibility but slightly reduced tensile strength. Overall, RSM optimization confirmed the synergistic reinforcement effect, demonstrating that the triple hybrid system (basalt fibers + graphene nanoplatelets + SMR20) achieves a balanced improvement in both strength and toughness.

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Main Subjects

References

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Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures
Volume 13, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
In Progress
November 2026
Pages 401-414

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