Abstract

In the present study, the influence of Modified Halloysite Nanoclay Tubes (MHNT’s) and Poly-Methyl-Metacrylate (PMMA) on the mechanical and thermal properties of Epoxy/PMMA/MHNT hybrid nanocomposites have been investigated. Different wt% of MHNT’s was dispersed in epoxy resin and then added to dissolved-PMMA to obtain three phase hybrid nanocomposites. The composites were characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrometry (FT–IR), Thermo-gravimetric analysis, tensile test, three point bending test and fracture toughness test. SEM images revealed that PMMA forms an immiscible phase in epoxy matrix. XRD patterns revealed that MHNT’s were in fully exfoliated state in hybrid nanocomposites. The MHNT’s provides good ductility to Epoxy-PMMA blends by forming flexible interface, results in significant improvement in the elongation at break and hence tensile strength. The values of tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness and thermal stability showed significant improvement compared to neat epoxy. Hybrid composites exhibited better properties than conventional resin blend and nanocomposites due to positive divergence generated from the combination of two dissimilar toughening mechanisms.

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