Shahrood University of Technology Journal of Solid and Fluid Mechanics 2251-9475 15 5 2025 11 22 The effect of the presence of nanoclay and basalt fibers on the tensile and impact mechanical properties of PLA/NR polymer composites using the response surface method (RSM) The effect of the presence of nanoclay and basalt fibers on the tensile and impact mechanical properties of PLA/NR polymer composites using the response surface method (RSM) 349 365 3744 10.22044/jsfm.2026.16447.3984 FA Meysam Nouri Niyaraki Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University, Tehran, Iran Amin Bodaghi Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 06 30 In this study, the effects of nanoclay and basalt fibers on the tensile and impact properties of PLA/NR polymer composites were experimentally investigated using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The studied variables included the weight percentage of nanoclay (0%, 3%, and 6%), basalt fibers (0%, 10%, and 20%), and natural rubber (0%, 15%, and 30%). The samples were prepared using an internal mixer and a hot press machine according to relevant standards. Tensile tests were conducted to determine tensile strength and elastic modulus, and Charpy impact tests were performed to evaluate impact strength. The results indicated that increasing the weight percentage of nanoclay at low concentrations improved tensile strength and elastic modulus by 10% and 21%, respectively, while higher percentages led to a reduction in mechanical properties. The addition of basalt fibers enhanced tensile strength, elastic modulus, and impact strength by 14%, 37%, and 39%, respectively. Increasing the natural rubber content resulted in a 44% improvement in impact strength but an 11% and 23% decrease in tensile strength and elastic modulus, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were also used to analyze the dispersion of nanoparticles and basalt fibers within the polymer matrix. In this study, the effects of nanoclay and basalt fibers on the tensile and impact properties of PLA/NR polymer composites were experimentally investigated using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The studied variables included the weight percentage of nanoclay (0%, 3%, and 6%), basalt fibers (0%, 10%, and 20%), and natural rubber (0%, 15%, and 30%). The samples were prepared using an internal mixer and a hot press machine according to relevant standards. Tensile tests were conducted to determine tensile strength and elastic modulus, and Charpy impact tests were performed to evaluate impact strength. The results indicated that increasing the weight percentage of nanoclay at low concentrations improved tensile strength and elastic modulus by 10% and 21%, respectively, while higher percentages led to a reduction in mechanical properties. The addition of basalt fibers enhanced tensile strength, elastic modulus, and impact strength by 14%, 37%, and 39%, respectively. Increasing the natural rubber content resulted in a 44% improvement in impact strength but an 11% and 23% decrease in tensile strength and elastic modulus, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were also used to analyze the dispersion of nanoparticles and basalt fibers within the polymer matrix. https://jsfm.shahroodut.ac.ir/article_3744_ce528f29674c36a8967e5343acf2ddc4.pdf