Interfacial properties of aramid/basalt fiber reinforced hybrid composites by addition of Halloysite nanotube.

We investigated the effect of Halloysite nanotube (HNT) addition on the interfacial and bending properties of hybrid composites. Test specimens were prepared using a vacuum bag method, which is manufactured by using an autoclave device. Ultrasound device was used to uniformly disperse HNT nanoparticles into the epoxy. Amount of the nanoparticles was determined by the weight of the epoxy resin. The Fracture toughness, ILSS and bending strength of Aramid/Basalt fiber hybrid composite specimens were decreased by more than certain amount of HNT. This phenomenon is presumably due to aggregation of HNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]