International E-publication: Publish Projects, Dissertation, Theses, Books, Souvenir, Conference Proceeding with ISBN. 

Investigation of the Environmental Efficiency and Thermal Insulation Properties of the Ak-7 Polymer-Mineral Composite Coating Based on Basalt Fiber and Expanded Vermiculite

Author Affiliations

  • 1Academy of the Ministry of Emergency, Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 15, Issue (4), Pages 101-105, October,22 (2026)

Abstract

This study is devoted to evaluating the functional properties of the Ak-7 polymer-mineral composite coating based on basalt fiber and expanded vermiculite, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency and fire safety of buildings and structures, as well as developing environmentally promising construction materials. The composite formulation consisted of acrylic-styrene copolymer (20.98%), expanded vermiculite (39.73%), calcium carbonate (13.39%), basalt fiber (7.14%), and polyvinyl alcohol (18.76%). The thermophysical properties of the material were evaluated using an XND-2-3030C laboratory apparatus, its mechanical properties were assessed through flexural strength measurements, and its resistance to combustion was determined based on the limiting oxygen index (LOI). According to the experimental results, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the Ak-7 (40%) sample was 0.090575 W/(m•K), which was 39.7% lower than that of the sample containing 30% mineral filler. The flexural strength of the base composition was 9.272 MPa, while its limiting oxygen index reached 38.5%. The porous mineral structure of expanded vermiculite provides significant potential for limiting heat transfer, whereas the reinforcing properties of basalt fiber contribute to maintaining the mechanical integrity of the composite. The thermal stability and potential environmental advantages of basalt fiber compared with certain glass fiber reinforcing materials were evaluated based on scientific literature. The obtained results indicate that the Ak-7 composite coating represents a promising solution for reducing heat loss in buildings, promoting the efficient use of energy resources, and developing multifunctional protective materials aimed at improving fire safety.

References

  1. United Nations Environment Programme (2026)., Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2025–2026: Building Fast. Falling Short., UNEP.
  2. Fiore V., Scalici T., Di Bella G. and Valenza A. (2015)., A review on basalt fibre and its composites., Composites Part B: Engineering, 74, 74–94.
  3. Dhand V., Mittal G., Rhee K.Y., Park S.J. and Hui D. (2015)., A short review on basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites., Composites Part B: Engineering, 73, 166–180.
  4. Chowdhury I.R., Pemberton R. and Summerscales J. (2022)., Developments and Industrial Applications of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials., Journal of Composites Science, 6(12), 367.
  5. Farghal H.H. and Madkour T.M. (2026)., Basalt Fiber Composites: Structure, Properties, Sustainability, and Life Cycle Analysis., Journal of Composites Science, 10(5), 253.
  6. Jamshaid H. and Mishra R. (2016)., A green material from rock: basalt fiber – a review., The Journal of the Textile Institute, 107(7), 923–937.
  7. D’Andrea D., Salmeri F., Di Bella G., Totaro M. and Risitano G. (2025)., Replacing Glass with Basalt in the Vacuum Infusion Process of Vinyl Ester Composite Laminates: Effect on the Mechanical Performance and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)., Journal of Composites Science, 9(6), 308.
  8. Pant M., Negi H. and Sharma S. (2026)., Life Cycle Analysis, Cost Analysis, and Sustainability of Basalt Fiber Composites., Advances in Basalt Fibers and Their Composites, ACS Symposium Series, 459–481.
  9. Rashad A.M. (2016)., Vermiculite as a construction material – A short guide for Civil Engineer., Construction and Building Materials, 125, 53–62.
  10. Guo L., Wang S., Leng Y. and Yin C. (2025)., Water resistance and thermal insulation properties of modified expanded vermiculite composites., Materials Today Communications, 42, 111424.
  11. Jiang S., Wang J., Wen S., Chen K., Zhou J., Wang H. and Deng X. (2024)., The Effect of Expanded Vermiculite on the Fire Resistance of Waterborne Acrylic Coatings., Polymers, 16(16), 2302.
  12. International Organization for Standardization (2017)., Plastics–Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index–Part 2: Ambient-temperature test., ISO 4589-2:2017.
  13. ASTM International (2023)., Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)., ASTM D2863-23.
  14. International Organization for Standardization (2006)., Environmental management–Life cycle assessment–Principles and framework., ISO 14040:2006.
  15. International Organization for Standardization (2006)., Environmental management – Life cycle assessment–Requirements and guidelines., ISO 14044:2006.