This study investigates the flexural properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)
reinforced basalt/epoxy composites under conditions with and without moisture
absorption. The basalt/CNT/epoxy composites were fabricated using 1 wt% silanized
MWCNTs and kept in seawater for over 4 months. The flexural properties of the moisture
absorbed specimens were evaluated and compared with those of dry specimens. The
flexural properties of basalt/CNT/epoxy composites were found to decrease with moisture
absorption. The flexural strength and modulus of moisture absorbed specimens were
22% and 16% lower, respectively, than those of the dry specimen. Scanning electron
microscope examination of the fracture surfaces revealed that the decreases of flexural
properties in the moisture absorbed specimen were due to the weakening of interfacial
bonding from swelling of the epoxy matrix.