Effect of heat treated HNT on physico-mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract Halloysite Nano Tubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring Kaolite group minerals having an aluminosilicate-layer in the form of nanotubes which are known to enhance the properties of the polymer matrix composites when effectively dispersed in the epoxy matrix phase. In this regard, the present work is carried out to fabricate the composite specimens by polymer stir casting techniques and evaluate the basic properties viz., density, hardness, tensile strength , flexural strength , impact strength and the microstructure using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for better morphological studies of the dispersions in the nanocomposites with a filler content of 0, 5 and 10 wt% of HNT's that are effectively treated at three temperature conditions viz., Room temperature (RT), 50 °C and 70 °C according to specified ASTM test methods selected after thorough investigations and review of literature. As per the experimental investigation, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite increases by the incorporation of heat treated HNT. Further, the study revealed that the nano composite with a filler content of 10 Wt.% of HNT preheat treated at 50 °C shows superior tensile and flexural strength, However the critical observation of the results reveal that the impact strength is maximum for Nano composites with a filler content of 5 Wt.% HNT pre heat treated at 70 °C. The study of TEM images gives an overview of uniform dispersion of HNTs in the matrix phase owing to varying pre-treatment conditions. It is evident that the properties of the nanocomposite depends on the quantity of functional filler present and temperature of heat treatment.