Effect of Halloysite Nanotubes on Matrix Microcracking in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Matrix microcracking is considered the main factor responsible for the gas permeation in linerless pressure vessels and storage tanks. The addition of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to them at different concentrations was studied in order to enhance their microcrack resistance. A 50% increase in the cracking onset stress was found at a 5% addition of HNTs to the epoxy matrix. Moreover, a 60% increase was observed at a similar level of microcrack density compared with that of neat epoxy. A reactive diluent was used as an alternative to keep the viscosity suitable for the filament winding process and to offset the rise in viscosity by HNT incorporation. Despite the fact that the matrix fracture toughness increased even to 10% of HNTs, no growth in the microcrack resistance was found at more than 5% of HNTs. As a result, it was concluded that the microcracking phenomenon can be affected not only by the matrix fracture toughness, but also by the residual thermal stresses.