OPTIMIZATION OF THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC INSULATION PROPERTIES OF BASALT, CARBON FABRIC REINFORCED COMPOSITES

In this study, the thermal and acoustic insulation (sound transmission loss) properties of basalt fabric and carbon fabric reinforced composite materials were examined. The reinforcement fabrics were chosen as plain weave, 200 g/m2 and six different ratios in composite. Epoxy was used as resin. In order to examine the effect of powder additives, Al2O3 and SiC, which are frequently used in composites, were added to the resin in powder form at three selected rates for each. The basalt and carbon fabric reinforcement within the composite has been changed. 18 different composite plates were produced in orthogonal order with the Taguchi Experimental design using three input parameters: six fabric reinforcement ratios, three Al2O3 additives and three SiC additives. In the study, thermal and sound insulation properties were measured according to standards. The composite material that provides the best thermal insulation and sound absorption properties was determined by the Taguchi method which also contains confirmation tests. The composite containing 50% basalt fabric, 2% Al2O3 additive and 5% SiC additive has the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient. The composite containing 30% basalt fabric, 0% Al2O3 additive and 10%SiC additive has the highest sound transmission loss value.