Properties Of Hybrid Composites Research Articles

Ternary Epoxy Nanocomposites with Synergistic Effects: Preparation, Properties Evaluation and Structure Analysis.

The objective of the present work was to prepare hybrid epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. The simultaneous use of two different modifiers in an epoxy resin was motivated by the expected occurrence of synergistic effects on the performance properties of the matrix. Such a hybrid composite can be used in more severe conditions and/or in broader application areas. Hybrid epoxy composites were prepared with polyurethane (PUR), Nanomer nanoclay and carbon nanotubes (CNT), followed by the evaluation of their mechanical and thermal properties. Synergistic improvements in mechanical properties of hybrid composites were observed for 0.5 wt% Nanomer and 1 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNT), 7.5 wt% PUR and 1 wt% CNT, and 5 wt% PUR and 1 wt% CNT, confirming the occurrence of synergistic effects as to the impact strength (IS) of the matrices, compared to binary systems. The toughening induced by CNT/Nanomer modifiers can be attributed to the specific interfacial interactions between the two nanoparticles, while in the case of CNT/PUR, it can be explained by the combined effects of flexible polymer chains and the specific arrangement of nanoparticles in epoxy systems. Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the occurrence of interaction between OH groups in the epoxy matrix with CNT and reactive groups of PUR. The fracture surface showed plastic deformations, with good dispersion of CNT, explaining the improved mechanical properties of the matrix composites.

Improvement of the nylon (N)-glass fiber (G) reinforced polyester composite properties by varying oxide ceramic particles and stacking sequences of N and G

Abstract This study investigated the mechanical and physical properties of hybrid composites made with nylon fiber mesh (N), woven glass fiber (G), and unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin filled with different oxide ceramic particles (CPs) (ZnO, Al2O3, ZrO2, and TiO2). The influence of the stacking order of N and G (GGNNGG, GNGGNG, NGGGGN, and NNGGGG) on the mechanical properties of the composites was also studied. The goals of this study are to determine the best CP and stacking sequence for enhancing composite properties (flexural and impact properties) and reducing water absorption. The composites were manufactured in two steps using hand lay-up and press molding techniques. The first step involved fabricating N/G/UPE-2%CPs composites with a ratio of 8:14:78 (vol%) and a GNGGNG stacking sequence, referred to as type 1. In the second step, a composite with optimum properties obtained from type 1 was used as a reference and compared to composites with three different stacking sequences of GGNNGG, NGGGGN, and NNGGGG, known as type 2. The three-point bending, Charpy impact, and water absorption tests were conducted. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of N/G/UPE-2Al2O3 and N/G/UPE-2ZnO composites are nearly identical and higher than the others. However, N/G/UPE-2Al2O3′s water absorption is lower than that of N/G/UPE-2ZnO. These results suggest that the N/G/UPE-2Al2O3 composite, with a GGNNGG stacking pattern and a flexural strength of 125.12 MPa, an impact strength of 84.2 kJ m−2, and a low water absorption of 0.56%, could potentially serve as biomaterials.

Efficacy of jute-glass hybrid laminate composite wrapping under flexural loading

The demand for sustainable engineering materials has catalyzed interest in hybrid composites that combine natural fibers like jute with synthetic fibers such as E-glass. This study investigates the flexural strength of jute/E-glass/epoxy hybrid composite laminates under different stacking sequences, employing the ANOVA method to analyze their mechanical performance. The materials, including jute fabric, E-glass fabric, and epoxy resin, were arranged in various configurations and tested for flexural strength following ASTM D790 standards. The results indicated significant variability, with the GJGJ configuration exhibiting the highest average flexural strength of 71.20 MPa, while the GJG configuration had the lowest at 26.33 MPa. The ANOVA analysis confirmed a statistically significant effect of laminate configuration on flexural strength (F = 6.41, p = 0.004). These findings underscore the critical role of laminate arrangement in enhancing the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The superior performance of the GJGJ configuration suggests that alternating layers of jute and E-glass fibers can effectively distribute stress and enhance load-bearing capacity. Conversely, suboptimal configurations like GJG demonstrated lower performance, highlighting the importance of strategic fiber arrangement. This research contributes to the development of optimized hybrid composites for various engineering applications, providing valuable insights into the interplay between natural and synthetic fibers within a composite matrix. The study's conclusions support the broader use of hybrid composites in industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace, where material sustainability and performance are paramount. Future research should explore further optimization of stacking sequences and volume fractions of fibers, as well as investigate other mechanical properties such as tensile and impact strength, to fully realize the potential of hybrid composites in advanced engineering applications

Flexural properties and optimisation of hybrid composites reinforced by carbon, glass and flax fibres

This paper presents a study on the flexural properties of hybrid composites (HC) reinforced by carbon, glass, and flax fibres, utilising Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Possible optimal layups are identified through the application of design rules, and regression-based models are developed to predict flexural strength. With the developed models, multi-objective optimisation is done to minimise the cost and weight subjected to a given minimum required flexural strength. By integrating numerical simulation, regression analysis, and optimisation techniques, this research offers a practical approach to the design and fabrication of HC with enhanced mechanical performance and cost-efficiency.

Characterization of the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Hybrid Composites from Date Palm Fiber/Glass Wool Reinforced by Unsaturated Polyester

Characterization of the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Hybrid Composites from Date Palm Fiber/Glass Wool Reinforced by Unsaturated Polyester

Synthesis and Characterization of Shungite Modified Poly-N-Ninylpyrrolidone-Agarose Composites for Medical Application.

A systematic investigation was conducted to synthesize hybrid composite materials that use synthetic poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone and natural (agar-agar) macromolecules with plasticizers (PEG-400) and mineral filler shungite by means of electron irradiation. The XRD and SEM data showed that the structure of the resulting hybrid composites is an interpenetrating network with distributed particles of mineral component. It has been established that the mechanical properties of hybrid composites are determined mainly by the structural organization of the interpenetrating polymer network formed under electron irradiation of the initial synthetic and natural polymer mixture in the presence of plasticizers, as well as by the conditions for intercalation of polymer segments into the mineral matrix and vice versa. It has been revealed that the degree of swelling of hybrid composites strongly depends on the concentration of a low-molecular plasticizer in the polymeric interpenetrating network, which easily impregnates into the matrix of shungite. Successfully obtained [PVP-AA-PEG] hydrogels with shungite can be applied in regenerative medicine as wound healing dressings.

Exploring mechanical properties of eco-friendly hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with sisal, hemp, and glass fibers

It is now widely accepted that various subsets of hybrid fiber composites reinforced with combined natural and synthetic fibers can significantly expand the applicability of composite-based materials in design and technology practice. The already existing unnatural circumstances on the planet put natural fibers far ahead of traditions in the field of materials thanks to their biodegradability characteristics, availability and over-term endurance and corrosion resistance. At the same time, composites are rapidly taking their place in many industries and sectors of the economy as metals in as much as it is economically and energetically justified. This study evaluates the mechanical properties of hybrid composites reinforced with glass, hemp, and sisal fibers. Using a hand lay-up method with epoxy resin, composite laminates were fabricated and tested for tensile, flexural, impact strengths and hardness test in accordance with ASTM standards. The experimental results revealed that glass-sisal fiber composites achieved the highest tensile strength of 69.1 MPa, while glass-hemp-sisal fiber composites exhibited superior flexural strength of 15.22 MPa and impact strength of 137.45 kJ/m2 while best hardness value was 24.73 HV for glass-sisal fibre composite. These findings underscore the potential of glass-sisal-hemp fiber-reinforced epoxy composites as viable alternatives to traditional synthetic fiber-reinforced materials in automotive industry where there are no structural loadings i.e. automobile interiors; offering enhanced mechanical performance and sustainability.

Enhanced mechanical, tribological and corrosion properties of graphite and carbon nanotube-reinforced copper-based hybrid composites

Copper (Cu)-based hybrid composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy, incorporating Graphite (Gr) and Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcements at various fractions. The composites were formed using a cold pressing technique and subsequently sintered at various temperatures. The structural properties of the hybrid composites were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Spectrum (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hardness, compression, wear and corrosion tests were performed to show the effect of the reinforcements. It was shown that the hardness of Gr and CNT reinforcements have significantly improved the properties of pure Cu. The Cu-Gr-2CNT hybrid composite, which was subjected to sintering at a temperature of 850°C, exhibited the highest level of hardness, showing a significant increase of 51.4% in comparison to the pure Cu sample. While the compressive stresses increased in the Cu matrix with the addition of Cu-Gr, it increased to 350 MPa with the addition of 2 wt% CNT. The hardness value exhibited a similar increase and was measured to be 122 HV in Cu-Gr-2CNT. During the wear tests, the coefficient of friction values fell by 9.2% for Cu-2CNT, by 3.88% for Cu-CNT, by 3.92% for Cu-Gr-2CNT, and by 5.27% for Cu-Gr-CNT, as compared to pure Cu. The comprehensive findings demonstrated that the tests and analyses yielded consistent results, and the utilization of various combinations of Gr and CNT reinforcements enhanced the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion resistance properties of the fabricated hybrid composites. Nevertheless, the combination of Cu-Gr-2CNT yielded the most advantageous outcomes.

Evaluation of the mechanical properties of hybrid composites reinforced with plant fibers

The incorporation of plant fibers into the matrix plays an interesting role. Natural fibers have been widely used as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. Among all reinforcing fibers, natural fiber-based hybrid composites have attracted the attention of researchers as high-potential reinforcing materials for composite materials. These fibers are easily available in the form of agricultural products. Natural fibers are inexpensive, durable and lightweight materials for composite applications. In this experimental work, sisal fibers and date palm fibers were used as reinforcement in different ratios to fabricate hybrid composites by compression molding technique while maintaining a total fiber loading of 20 % by weight. Tensile tests, flexural tests, and impact tests were carried out, water absorption was also determined. The results obtained show that the composite composed of a combination of 16% sisal fibers and 8% date palm fibers has better tensile properties with a stress value of 6.88 N/mm2 and a value of Izod impact of 43.218 J/m. As well as both composites showed a better bending stress value of 67.29 N/mm2, the water absorption test was carried out for four days with 120 hours analysis. This research focuses on the fact that specimen-2 containing 16% sisal and 8% date palm fibers absorbs less water than other composites.

Mechanical behavior of hybrid glass‐flax‐carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites under static and dynamic loading

AbstractThe present study investigates the quasi‐static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composite laminates reinforced by flax hybridized with E‐glass and/or carbon fabrics. Epoxy resin was used as the polymeric matrix. Three different hybrid composite laminates were prepared: Glass/flax (HGF), carbon/flax (HCF), and carbon/glass/flax (HCGF) composite laminates. Non‐hybrid flax composite laminate (NHF) was prepared as a reference material. The quasi‐static mechanical properties were investigated by performing tensile and flexural tests. The dynamic mechanical behavior was evaluated using the split Hopkinson pressure bar test and dynamic mechanical analysis technique. The results showed that hybridizing flax with glass and/or carbon fibers significantly enhanced both the quasi‐static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composite system. Due to hybridization, the tensile strength increased from 50.5 MPa for NHF to 71.5, 162, and 107 MPa for HGF, HCF, and HCGF, respectively. Similarly, the flexural strength increased from 33.4 MPa for NHF to 104, 149, and 112 MPa for HGF, HCF, and HCGF, respectively. All the composite laminates showed a strain rate‐dependent behavior when tested using the SHPB test. Moreover, the dynamic compressive strength was substantially improved due to hybridization. DMA results showed that hybridization significantly improved the storage modulus and loss modulus of hybrid composites.Highlights Polymer composites reinforced with flax fabric hybridized with glass and/or carbon fabrics were fabricated. The fabricated hybrid composites were subjected to quasi‐static mechanical tests (tensile and flexural) and dynamic mechanical tests (DMA and SHPB). The hybridization approach was effective in improving the static and dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The static and dynamic behavior of hybrid composites can be tailored by controlling the type of synthetic fibers hybridized with natural ones.

Kenaf/glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites: Pioneering sustainable materials with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties

AbstractHybrid kenaf/glass fiber reinforced polymer composites have emerged as promising structural materials, garnering significant attention due to their unique blend of natural kenaf fibers and synthetic glass fibers. However, despite their potential, there remains a gap in the comprehensive understanding of their quasi‐static mechanical behavior, creep resistance, and fatigue performance. This paper addresses this gap by presenting recent advancements in studying these key properties of hybrid composites. Studies reveal that the combination of kenaf and glass fibers results in enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact strengths compared to individual fiber composites. Additionally, the hybridization offers improved creep resistance, with the glass fibers reinforcing the polymer matrix against deformation under sustained loads. Furthermore, investigations into fatigue properties demonstrate the resilience of hybrid composites to cyclic loading, contributing to prolonged service life in high‐stress environments. By elucidating the interplay between kenaf and glass fibers, this review underscores the potential of hybrid composites in various structural applications. The synergistic effects between natural and synthetic fibers offer a balance between sustainability, performance, and durability, making hybrid kenaf/glass fiber reinforced polymer composites a compelling choice for industries seeking lightweight, high‐performance materials in which aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) especially on Goal 12.Highlights In composite engineering, combining glass and kenaf fibers could cut production costs, yield high‐performance materials, and promote green technology. Substituting part of the glass fiber with kenaf can enhance the strength‐to‐weight ratio and promote greater biodegradability in current synthetic composites. Quasi‐mechanical properties of hybrid kenaf/glass‐based composites was enhanced by optimal stacking sequences, filler addition, and fiber treatment. Failures due to fatigue and creep can be reduced by hybridizing kenaf/glass fiber composites can prevent in polymer composite due to enhance elastic modulus. Enhanced tribological performance of hybrid kenaf/glass‐based composites due to less damage in microstructure via good interlocking of kenaf and glass in matrix.

The effect of fibre length and content on Aloe vera and ramie fibre-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite properties

The effect of fibre length and content on Aloe vera and ramie fibre-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite properties

Mechanical properties of web kapok/fiberglass-epoxy hybrid composites for marine structures

Abstract This study investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid composites composed of web kapok fibers and fiberglass reinforced with epoxy for potential application in the marine industry. The web kapok fibers were carefully processed using a carding technique to ensure better alignment and consistency. Various composite configurations were produced, and extensive mechanical testing was conducted, including flexural, tensile, and impact tests. The results revealed that the presence of two web kapok fiber layers within the composite significantly increased flexural strength and flexural modulus compared to pure fiberglass laminates. However, a single layer of web kapok fabrics exhibited the highest tensile strength, although it decreased with additional layers. The impact strength of these hybrid composites also showed promising results, especially when compared to raw fiberglass composites. Moreover, these composites exhibited improved resistance to water absorption and corrosion, making them potentially suitable for marine applications. This research highlights the potential of web kapok/fiberglass hybrid composites as an eco-friendly alternative for marine engineering, with implications for reduced environmental impact and sustainable technology in the industry.

An Experimental Study of the Properties of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites Mixed with Rubber Granules

In this research work, the mechanical properties of hybrid composites reinforced with woven carbon fiber mats particulated with natural rubber powders as fillers in the epoxy resin matrix were investigated. The specimens were prepared by the hand-layup process followed by a vacuum bag moulding process. The vacuum moulding reduces the voids or cavities in the hybrid composites. The natural rubber powder was added in different weight proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), and carbon fiber is added in 20% for all the specimens. Experiments such as tension testing, flexural testing, water absorption/acid corrosion/base corrosion tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis were conducted to evaluate the epoxy carbon rubber (ECR) composites. The tensile and flexural test findings demonstrated that the addition of 10% natural rubber particles gave better results as compared with other proportions. The water/acid/base absorption test findings reveal that the ECR composites are not affected by water/acid/base. The DMA teat findings show that ECR composites having 10% natural rubber have higher damping factor, storage, and loss modulus. The SEM analysis shows that ECR hybrid composites with 10% rubber particles contained a uniform distribution of rubber particles over reinforcement, and also, there were no cracks and voids. According to this research findings, ECR hybrid composites with 10% natural rubber particles prepared during the vacuum bag moulding process can be used to prepare aerospace interior components.

Structure and Properties of Hybrid Composites Based on Dressed Aluminosilicate Microspheres and Polypropylene Graft Copolymer with Methacrylic Acid

Structure and Properties of Hybrid Composites Based on Dressed Aluminosilicate Microspheres and Polypropylene Graft Copolymer with Methacrylic Acid

Synergistic effects of cold rolling and age hardening on the hardness and tensile characteristics of AA6061 hybrid composites

The present study involves the fabrication of aluminium alloy 6061 matrix hybrid composites with varying weight fractions of silica sand and copper particles by employing the conventional stir casting method. The combined influence of age hardening (AH) and low temperature thermomechanical treatment (LTMT) on the hardness and tensile properties of AA6061 hybrid composites was investigated. The uniform dispersion of the particles in the matrix was confirmed by microstructure analysis and the improvement of Brinell hardness values. The composites exhibited higher tensile strength and hardness than the base alloy. Both AH and LTMT enhanced the properties of the hybrid composites and a comparison between them revealed the best results for LTMT hybrid composites. The LTMT hybrid composite with 3 wt% silica sand and 3 wt% copper (3S3C) subjected to 12% rolling deformation and aged at 100 °C had the highest hardness and tensile strength of 144.26 HV and 290 MPa respectively. The hardness and tensile strength of AA6061-3S3C hybrid composite subjected to LTMT in peak aged condition showed an improvement of 125 and 97% respectively when compared with those of AA6061 alloy. Fracture surface analysis of the thermomechanical treated composites in peak aged condition showed a mixed mode of failure dominant with the ductile fracture.

Development of hybrid green composites by dual natural fibers (jute/bamboo) reinforcement and investigation of their mechanical behavior

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of natural fiber hybrid composites, specifically those based on jute and bamboo fibers. Jute fibers made in the form of highly scattered mesh and fine‐meshed bamboo mat were selected as reinforcing materials. The highly scattered meshed jute fabric composite showed poor mechanical properties owing to resin agglomeration, leading to the brittle fracture of the composite before elongation. In contrast, the randomly oriented fine‐meshed bamboo fabric performed better in terms of both mechanical properties and strain energy absorption under the same loading conditions. Hybridization with fine bamboo mesh fibers can be a solution to improve the mechanical properties of jute fabric composites. The tensile, flexural, and in‐plane shear properties of the composites are investigated in our study. We found that hybridizing a fine‐meshed bamboo mat with jute fabric resulted in an improved mechanical performance of the composite. Composite panels have been manufactured using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Experimental and numerical methods have been used to investigate the flexural behavior. Of the stacking sequences considered, the (J/B4/J) stacking showed the highest flexural strength (141.1 Mpa) and the (B2/J2/B2) 2/2 stacking sequence showed the minimum flexural strength. The alternating stacking sequence (B/J/B/J/B/J) exhibited intermediate properties. The randomly oriented bamboo fabric near the neutral axis enhanced the properties of the hybridized composite. This was verified numerically using the ANSYS ACP software.Highlights Mechanical behavior of Hybrid composite of two natural fibers was investigated. Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding was used to manufacture composite panels. Tensile, in plane shear, 3 point flexural tests and SEM micro analysis were done. FEA was used to validate and compare the experimental and numerical results. Resin agglomeration was improved by fibers with better resin impregnation property.

Study of Abaca/Carbon/Epoxy Hybrid Composite Properties as an Alternative Prosthetic Socket Material

Composites of natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermoset polymers have been studied for developing prosthetic socket materials. This study investigated the abaca fiber (AF)/carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy (EP) hybrid composite properties: i.e., tensile, flexural, impact, thermal, and water absorption, by varying AF and CF ratios of 1: 0, 0: 1, 2: 1, 3: 1, and 4: 1 with 80 vol% epoxy resin. The cracks formed in bending test specimens were characterized with an optical microscope, whereas the tensile fracture surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results confirmed that the mechanical properties of the CF/EP composite are the highest. The higher the AF/CF ratio, the lower the hybrid composite's mechanical properties and the higher the water absorption. The hybrid composite with a 2:1 AF/CF ratio achieved the highest tensile and flexural strengths of 70 MPa and 103 MPa, respectively, and the lowest water absorption of 7.89%. Based on the experimental results, a simulation of the prosthetic socket was performed using Autodesk Inventor 2019 integrated with ANSYS Workbench 2019 R1, resulting in von Mises stress of 2.14 MPa and deformation of 0.015 mm. Besides, its thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) resulted in good thermal stability.

The effect of hybrid thermal fillers on thermal conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate composites

AbstractThe use of functional polymeric composites with superior thermal properties, capable of replacing conventional polymers, has increased in recent years, particularly in the electrical‐electronics sector where thermal management is crucial. Carbon fiber (CF) polymer–matrix structural composites have relatively high in‐plane thermal conductivity but low through‐plane conductivity. In order to further enhance the through‐plane and in‐plane conductivity of CF‐reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) composite, a hybrid loading approach was employed, incorporating synthetic graphite (SG), boron nitride (hBN), aluminium nitride (AlN) and graphene (G) in composite formulations. It was found that the in‐plane conductivity of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3G and the through‐plane conductivity of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3AlN are 69% and 25% higher, respectively, than those of PBT‐40CF. However, the mechanical properties of hybrid composites exhibit lower values compared to those of CF‐reinforced PBT composites. The tensile strength value of PBT‐40CF is about 33% and 57% higher than those of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3G and PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3AlN. Moreover, the flexural strength of PBT‐40CF is about 48% and 38% higher than those of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3G and PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3AlN, respectively. The density value of PBT‐40CF is lower than that of the composites of PBT‐20CF‐20SG. From TGA it was observed that the thermal stability of PBT‐40CF is comparable to that of the composites PBT‐20CF‐20SG. From the conducted study, it can be proposed that the hybrid combination of SG, hBN, AlN and G can be utilized to achieve higher thermal conductivity values, instead of relying solely on CF in the composites. © 2024 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Modifying the properties of polyamide 6 with high‐performance environmentally friendly nano‐ and microsized reinforcing materials

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the morphological and mechanical properties of hybrid composites with a polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix and reinforced with basalt fibers (BFs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The presence of reinforcing materials fundamentally changed the behavior of the molecules, which was morphologically manifested in the change in the ratio of the rigid and the mobile amorphous phase. The x‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic images showed the crystal nucleating effect of the halloysite nanotubes. Based on these, we concluded that around the basalt fibers, an interphase is formed, while around the nanoparticles, a two‐layer interphase is created, the inner layer of which is semicrystalline, while the outer layer is rigid amorphous (RA). The nanoparticles are surrounded by a semicrystalline interphase, which is surrounded by an RA interphase. This overlaps with the interphase of the basalt fibers, therefore the halloysite nanotubes can effectively help the stress transfer from the matrix to the basalt fibers. The mechanical properties of the samples also reflected this: the hybrid composites had a significantly higher tensile modulus, tensile strength, and an unchanged elongation at break compared to the composite reinforced with only basalt fiber.Highlights Environmentally friendly polyamide 6 matrix hybrid composites were prepared. Uniform distribution of halloysite nanotubes was achieved. Enhanced mechanical properties were observed for hybrid composites. Halloysite nanotubes aid stress transfer from matrix to basalt fibers. Halloysite nanotubes act as crystalline nucleating agents.