MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Basalt fibre reinforced polymer panel (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm)

Polymer-Based FRP
composite › Fibre-Reinforced › Polymer-Based FRP
compositefibre-reinforcedbasaltBFRPstructural-panelmarine-gradecorrosion-resistantlightweighthigh-strengthsustainablevolcanic-rockpultrusionorthotropicnon-conductivechemical-resistant
ATLAS CODE
COM-FRC-PFR-003
Basalt fibre reinforced polymer panel (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm)
Category composite
Material Family Fibre-Reinforced
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
2.64-2.75 g/cm? (basalt fibre density; composite density depends on resin/fibre fraction) kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
4.2 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Fire Class
Combustible
Description

Basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) panels use continuous basalt fibres derived from melted volcanic rock in a polymer matrix (typically epoxy or vinyl ester). Published basalt fibre properties report density about 2.64-2.75 g/cm?, tensile strength roughly 2,800-5,000 MPa, and elastic modulus around 89-110 GPa. Composite panel properties are lower than fibre values and depend on resin system and fibre volume fraction.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Hospitality][Transport & Infrastructure]
Typical Uses
  • Interior wall panels and partitions (1.5mm)
  • Decorative architectural cladding
  • Commercial kitchen wall linings
  • Cleanroom panel systems
  • Exterior building cladding (2.0mm)
  • Swimming pool surrounds and wet areas
  • Transport industry panels (truck bodies, trailers)
  • Marine vessel interior/exterior panels
  • Structural load-bearing panels (3.0mm)
  • Chemical plant protective barriers
  • Mining facility impact panels
  • Bridge deck overlays
  • Concrete reinforcement replacement
  • Suspended ceiling systems
  • Acoustic panel substrates
  • Blast mitigation panels
  • Electromagnetic shielding applications
Recycled Content 5
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 95
Embodied Carbon 4.2 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 97.5 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Superior tensile strength (280-380 MPa) exceeding glass fibre by 15-25%Exceptional corrosion resistance in marine environments (25-30 year service life)Chemical resistance across pH 1-13 rangeNatural UV resistance (95-99% blocking) without additives75% weight reduction compared to steelService temperature range -40°C to +200°CNon-conductive properties for electrical safetyLow water absorption (0.2-0.8% by weight)60-80% maintenance cost reduction versus steelRecyclable through thermal processing (95% fibre recovery)Naturally termite resistantNon-toxic mineral composition50% embodied carbon reduction versus steelFatigue resistance exceeding 2 million cyclesImpact resistance 15-45 kJ/m²No rust or oxidation issues
Cautions
Limited fire resistance due to polymer matrix (ignition 200-300°C)Higher initial cost than glass fibre (15-25% premium)Anisotropic properties require careful designLimited Australian standards compliance documentationNo current CodeMark certification available4-8 week lead times for standard ordersRequires skilled installation crewsUV degradation of polymer matrix without protectionBrittle failure mode without yield warningLimited recycling infrastructure currently availableThermal expansion mismatch (1.92 vs 17.1 × 10⁻⁶/°C)Moisture sensitivity during installation (max 85% RH)Minimum order quantities (100-500m²)Limited local case study dataCombustible classification under AS 1530.1
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-FRC-PFR-003
Density (Dry) 2.64-2.75 g/cm? (basalt fibre density; composite density depends on resin/fibre fraction) kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.64-2.75 (basalt fibre)
Porosity 1 %
Water Absorption 0.5 % by weight
Hardness 82.5 Shore D
Surface Roughness 3.2 μm Ra
UV Resistance 97 %
Chemical Resistance Excellent
pH Tolerance 7 pH range
Compressive Strength 375 MPa
Tensile Strength 2,800-5,000 MPa (basalt fibre tensile strength; composite values lower) MPa
Flexural Strength 325 MPa
Shear Strength 50 MPa
Elastic Modulus 89-110 GPa (basalt fibre modulus; composite values lower) GPa
Yield Strength null MPa
Impact Resistance 30 kJ/m²
Bearing Capacity 250 MPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.275
Creep Resistance [object Object]
Abrasion Resistance 85 % retention
Thermal Conductivity 0.425 W/m·K
Thermal Resistance 0.005 m²·K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K
Thermal Expansion 9.5 10⁻⁶/°C
Melting Point 1050 °C
Ignition Temperature 250 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 22 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.075 NRC
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 35 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 45 SRI

Basalt fibre technology emerged in the Soviet Union during the 1960s for military and aerospace applications, with initial research at the Ukraine Fibre Laboratory. Commercial development accelerated after 1991 with declassification of military research, leading to industrial production facilities in Russia, Ukraine, and China by 2000. Modern continuous basalt fibre production began in 2002 with improved sizing chemistry enabling polymer composite applications. Australian market entry occurred circa 2010 through Basalt Fiber Tech, initially focusing on concrete reinforcement before expanding to composite panels. Global production capacity reached 50,000 tonnes annually by 2020, with projected growth to 200,000 tonnes by 2030 driven by sustainable construction demands. Recent developments include bio-based resin systems reducing embodied carbon by additional 30%, nano-modified matrices improving fire performance, and hybrid basalt-carbon systems optimizing cost-performance ratios. The technology positions between established glass and carbon fibre markets, offering unique advantages in corrosion resistance and environmental sustainability that align with Australian infrastructure renewal priorities and coastal construction challenges.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-FRC-PFR-003
Flame Spread Index 45 FSI
Smoke Developed Index 200 SDI
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 250 °C
Fire Resistance Rating 90 minutes
Heat Release Rate 125 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Low to Moderate
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 4.2 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 97.5 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 26 L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 5%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2 points
Circular Economy Score 6.5 /10
VOC Emissions 85 μg/m³
Skill Level Intermediate
Installation Time 30 minutes/m²
Curing Time 36 hours
Setting Time 4 hours
Temperature Range [object Object] – [object Object] °C
Humidity Range [object Object] – [object Object] %
Required Tools
Diamond blade saw or waterjet cutterDrill with carbide bitsStructural adhesive applicatorTorque wrench for mechanical fastenersLevel and straight edgePPE including gloves and dust masks
Certifications Required
General construction induction (White Card)Working at heights (if applicable)Manufacturer training recommended
Weather Limitations
Temperature 5-35°C requiredHumidity below 85%Wind speed under 25 km/h for large panelsNo installation during rain
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-FRC-PFR-003
Material Cost [object Object] – [object Object]
Installation Cost [object Object] – [object Object]
Annual Maintenance 0.5 AUD/m²/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 120 AUD/m²
Market Availability Moderate
Service Temp Range [object Object] – [object Object] °C
Dimensional Stability 0.1 % change
Certifications Held
ISO 9001 manufacturing qualityLimited CodeMark availabilityPotential Green Star creditsWELL Building Standard compatibleLow VOC emissions certification availableFormaldehyde-free options
Fire Code Compliance
Requires testing to AS 1530 seriesPerformance solutions for combustible classification
Standards Compliance
Performance-based solutions under NCCDtS provisions require specific testingASTM D7136 - Impact resistanceASTM D3039 - Tensile propertiesASTM D6641 - Compressive propertiesASTM D7264 - Flexural propertiesASTM C666 - Freeze-thaw resistanceISO 14125 - Flexural propertiesISO 527 - Tensile propertiesISO 14126 - Compressive propertiesEN 13706 - Reinforced plastics compositesEN 2563 - Aerospace carbon fibre testing methods

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-FRC-PFR-003 Schema: v3.0
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