The effects of aggressive environments on the mechanical properties of basalt plastics

A review and analysis of changes in mechanical properties of basalt fibers (BF) and basalt composite materials under effects of aggressive environments in reference to foreign and Russian scientific literature has been carried out. The changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the fiberglass (FG) and basalt plastic (BP) have been compared. The analysis shows that BF is a good alternative to fiberglass for elaboration of composite materials for various purposes. In the most aggressive alkaline environments, BP resistance is higher as compared with that of FG. If required, BF resistance to chemically active media could be increased by midifying its composition and applying protective layers and heat treatment of fibers. For extended use of BP as an effective structural material under various climatic conditions, including in the Arctic, long-term tests of 10 or more years are advisable and relevant, with control of changes in their mechanical parameters and an analysis of processes of climatic aging developing in BP.