Ricerc@Sapienza

Over the past decades, the widespread use of glass fibres within polymeric matrix composite materials has significantly increased, leading to a strong interest in greater eco-sustainability due to the limited disposal options of these materials at the end of their life. For this reason, the production of bio-composite materials, using sustainable matrices or natural reinforcing fibres, has recently been a cornerstone of many research fields. Basalt fibres, due to their volcanic rock-based origin, are considered natural fibres and a greener alternative to glass fibres. The challenge for the development of these new composite materials is the optimization of the load transfer between the fibres and the matrix, through an adequate interface. A recent strategy for tailoring the interface while promoting additional functionalities involves the direct growth of carbon nanostructures (CNs) on the surface of fibres. In this regard, a current limitation is the high temperature step typical of thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) growth that reduces the mechanical properties of the underlying fibres. In this research project, a new route for direct growth of CNs on natural basalt fibres is proposed, by combining new metal catalysts and plasma-enhanced CVD technology. The research will address process optimization and a systematic investigation of the complex relationships between process parameters and the mechanical and interfacial properties of the underlying fibres. The resulting hierarchical and multifunctional fibres will be exploited not only as reinforcing constituents in structural composites but also as effective materials in environmental remediation applications.