When comparing basalt fiber and carbon fiber, there are several factors to consider, such as tensile strength, stiffness, thermal stability, and cost. Here is a detailed comparison:
Tensile Strength
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber has a very high tensile strength, typically ranging from 3,500 to 6,000 MPa.
Basalt Fiber: Basalt fiber also has a high tensile strength, but generally lower than carbon fiber, ranging from 2,800 to 4,800 MPa.
Stiffness (Young's Modulus)
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber has a high stiffness, with a Young's modulus ranging from 230 to 600 GPa.
Basalt Fiber: Basalt fiber has a lower stiffness compared to carbon fiber, with a Young's modulus of around 89 to 110 GPa.
Thermal Stability
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber has excellent thermal stability and can withstand very high temperatures without degrading.
Basalt Fiber: Basalt fiber also has good thermal stability and can withstand temperatures up to around 800°C, which is higher than many other fibers but typically lower than the best carbon fibers.
Cost
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is generally more expensive due to its production process and material costs.
Basalt Fiber: Basalt fiber is usually less expensive than carbon fiber, making it a cost-effective alternative for many applications.
Applications
Carbon Fiber: Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, carbon fiber is used in aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and high-performance applications.
Basalt Fiber: Basalt fiber is used in construction, automotive, marine, and other applications where a balance of performance and cost is important.
Conclusion
Strength: Carbon fiber generally has a higher tensile strength than basalt fiber.
Stiffness: Carbon fiber is also stiffer than basalt fiber.
Thermal Stability and Cost: Basalt fiber offers good thermal stability and is more cost-effective.
In summary, while carbon fiber is stronger and stiffer than basalt fiber, basalt fiber provides a good balance of properties at a lower cost. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application.