Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon/Epoxy Laminates Modified with Halloysite Nanotubes at Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

In this article, the effect of mechanical properties of carbon/epoxy laminates under different temperatures with and without Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) as fillers in the matrix were studied. First, the HNT fillers are mixed in the matrix at the amount of 1% of the volume of the matrix and dispersed homogeneously using the ultrasonication process. Then, the composites are fabricated using the hand Lay-up process and the specimens are dimensioned as per the ASTM standards and the corresponding tests are carried out accordingly. Finally, the results were discussed after interpretation of the datum obtained from various mechanical tests. The laminates with HNT fillers exhibit good mechanical and thermal properties when compared to the laminates without filler.