Abstract
The environmental stress cracking resistance of halloysite nanoclay-polyester nanocomposites was investigated using fracture mechanics approach. The incorporation of halloysite nanoclay was found to improve the environmental stress cracking resistance of the nano-composites. The storage modulus of nano-composites measured by dynamic mechanical analysis increased remarkably as a function of halloysite nanoclay content. At 0.7 wt% nanoclay, the Tg improved from 72°C to 76°C. The fracture toughness increased up to 33% and time to failure improved 155% with the addition of 0.7 wt% of halloysite nanoclay. The maximum microhardness was found 119% higher for the same nano-filler concentration compared to monolithic polyester. The reinforcement with 1 wt% showed lower fracture toughness due to agglomerations of nanoclay which act as flaws. The presence of agglomerates weakened the bond between nano-particles and matrix hence reduces the environmental stress cracking resistance by halloysite nanoclay reinforcement.
Highlights
Nano-composite materials were typically used in various components and constructions of wind turbine blades, aircraft, automobile, sporting goods and marine structures [1] [2] [3]
The environmental stress cracking resistance of polyester and its nano-composites in methanol was investigated under the constant loading by using fracture mechanics approach
This study has shown that the environmental stress cracking effect can be reduced with the reinforcement of halloysite nanoclay
Summary
Nano-composite materials were typically used in various components and constructions of wind turbine blades, aircraft, automobile, sporting goods and marine structures [1] [2] [3]. The disadvantage of using polymer based materials is the deterioration mechanical properties triggered by aggressive liquid contact such as methanol, isopropanol and acetone [4] [5]. Vessels, and pipes are normally in contact with liquid media which leads to deterioration in mechanical properties [8] [9]. In certain applications of polymer nano-composites, the interaction with liquid environment is inevitable and could lead to failure. The liquid exposure causes the environmental stress cracking failure and degradation to the polymer matrix. The degree of liquid absorption and polymer degradation can be reduced by using nano-fillers such as nanoclay. Alamri and Low in their research reported that halloysite nanoclays were able to reduce water absorption and increase the mechanical properties of epoxy through uniform dispersion [10] [11]
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