Effects of Dispersion and Particle-Matrix Interactions on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of HNT/Epoxy Nanocomposite Materials

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), naturally occurring as aluminosilicate nanoclay mineral, have recently emerged as a possible nanomaterial for countless applications due to their specific chemical structure, tubular shape, high aspect ratio, biocompatibility and low toxicity. In this study, HNTs were incorporated into the epoxy resin matrix to improve its mechanical properties and thermal stability. However, heterogeneous size, surface charge and surface hydrogen bond formation, result in aggregation of HNTs in epoxies to a certain extent. Three specific techniques were used to integrate HNTs into neat epoxy resin (NE). The structure and morphology of the embedded nanotubes were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tensile testing was carried out and the fractured surface of the tested specimen was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of the prepared nanocomposite materials was investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) studies. The obtained results indicated that improved properties of HNTs/epoxy nanocomposite materials were related to the unique properties of well-dispersed HNTs, agglomerate scale, and reduced void presence, and could be controlled by the manufacturing processes.