Halloysite nanotubes reinforced epoxy- glass microballoons syntactic foams

Abstract

Polymer syntactic foams are a class of polymer composites prepared by incorporation of hollow microballoons in a polymer matrix. The advantageous feature of this class of foams is their tailor-made properties by changing the volume fraction of hollow fillers and matrix. The present study deals with the preparation and properties of epoxy-glass microballoon syntactic foams containing 40–60% (v/v) of glass microballoons. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) (0.1–0.5% v/v) have been used as reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties while maintaining a constant filler percentage (40% v/v) for all compositions. Results indicate significant improvement in quasi-static mechanical properties at 0.3% v/v HNTs. Compressive toughness, indicated by the area under stress-strain curve increases by ~60% signifying higher energy absorption due to incorporation of HNTs. The present study highlights the efficacy of HNTs in reinforcing epoxy-glass microballoons syntactic foams.