Improvement in alkali-resistance of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer by Ti3C2TX (MXene) modified matrix

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a kind of potential construction material due to its low density and strong mechanical properties, but its weak alkali stability impedes its widespread use. MXene nanosheets' two-dimensional (2D) property makes them an attractive contender as a nanofiller for polymer-based composites. Here, a basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) laminate with a matrix modified with MXene nanosheets was made using a vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding (VaRTM) process. The flexural strength (530.1 MPa) and flexural modulus (26.7 GPa) of the M0.5/BFRP composite were superior to those of the BFRP laminate, increasing by 39.4% and 4.6%, respectively. According to DMA examination, the MXene/BFRP composite exhibited increased crosslinking density, which could improve stability as well as aid in energy dissipation. As anticipated, the BFRP composites enhanced with MXene nanosheets demonstrated exceptional long-term stability in a hostile alkali environment. After being submerged in alkali solution at 40 degrees C for 60 days, the M0.5/BFRP's flexural strength reached 398.0 MPa, exceeding that of pristine BFRP that had not been submerged in alkali solution. This study gives an insight into the effect of MXene Ti3C2TX nanosheets modified resin on the durability of BFRP in strong alkali environment.