Natural inorganic nanotubes reinforced epoxy resin nanocomposites

Natural occurred nanotubes, halloysite nanotubes, were modified by silane and incorporated into epoxy resin to form nanocomposites. The morphology of the nanocomposites was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed on the nanocomposites. Flexural property and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the nanocomposites were also determined. Comparing with the neat resin, about 40% increase in storage modulus at glassy state and 133% at rubbery state were achieved by incorporating 12 wt% modified HNTs into the epoxy matrix. In addition, the nanocomposites exhibited improved flexural strength, char yield and dimensional stability. TEM examination revealed a uniform dispersion of the nanotubes in the epoxy resin. The remarkably positive effects of the HNTs on the performance of the epoxy resin were correlated with the unique characteristics of the HNTs, the uniform dispersion and the possible interfacial reactions between the modified HNTs and the matrix.