Changes in the Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) on Moisture Diffusion at Room Temperature

Three batches of unidirectional basalt fiber reinforced polymer were fabricated in the form of plates. Long tests were conducted over 365 days in a loaded state at room temperature, as well as in a closed desiccator at 99% humidity. The moisture absorption of unloaded samples in the desiccator did not exceed 0.20 – 0.23%. The residual mechanical properties of samples kept in a desiccator for 365 days were determined after the samples were dried: ultimate strain increased by 10 – 15%, elastic modulus by 14 – 21%, strength by 19 – 21%, and glass-transition temperature by 5 – 8°C.