Flexural Properties of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTS) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTS) Toughened Epoxy Composites

In this research, four different concentrations of halloysite nanotubes and carbon nanotubes (0wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) were produced using solution casting method. Both fillers were dispersed using bath sonicator for 10 minutes. Flexural properties, surface roughness and microhardness were studied. The highest flexural modulus and flexural strength were observed in the 0.2 wt% HNTs-epoxy composites, where the maximum values were 36.6% and 82% respectively. The maximum surface roughness was recorded in the case of 0.2 wt% HNTs-epoxy composites. The highest microhardness value was found in the 0.5 wt% HNTs-epoxy composites where the microhardness improved by 80%. The results suggest, HNTs were easily dispersed in epoxy matrix than CNTs, at shorter processing time. From the SEM images, it can be observed that, HNTs significantly changed the microstructure of the nanocomposites, as there were many straight and elevated crack lines, this can be associated with the toughening mechanism offered by the filler. CNTs on the other hand, had influenced on the micro cracks and showed semi-parabolic pattern. However, the flexural properties of CNTs are slightly lower than HNTs because CNTs have strong van der Waals force and as a result very difficult to disperse by simple sonication. HNTs can be utilised as an alternative to CNTs, since the dispersion state is better even though at minimum sonication time.