Fire Safety and Impact and Frost Resistance of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polysiloxane Matrix Composite Processed under Partial Pyrolysis Conditions

The study focuses on developing a fiber-reinforced composite that would exhibit good mechanical properties and climate resistance, and fire safety parameters would surpass commonly used fiber-reinforced polymers. The subject of development is a polysiloxane thermoset matrix reinforced with basalt fibers, which is processed by partial pyrolysis at 650 °C after curing. The heat release rate test showed virtually zero heat released, and the toxicity test showed only a very low amount of carbon monoxide. The flammability test showed no ignition, no radiation, and no glow. Composites for mechanical tests were prepared in three variants differing in the distribution of reinforcement. Due to the intended use of the composite for thin-walled panels or shells of buildings, the mechanical properties were compared in identical tests with fiber cement plates. The flexural strength of the composites was 3 to 10 times, and the impact energy was 10 to 100 times higher than the values measured on fiber cement, depending on the type and orientation of the composite. The flexural strength measured after 240 freeze–thaw conditioning cycles is higher than fiber cement by 1.3 to 2 times. The climate resistance of the composite should be the subject of further development.