Improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites through addition of halloysite nanoclay for light weight structural applications

In this work the effect of stacking sequence of Carbon (C)/Glass (G) fibers and halloysites addition (1, 3 and 5 wt.%) on the mechanical and thermal properties of the hybrid composites were explored. The composite laminates were prepared by using Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Technique (VARIT). The outcomes disclosed that the hybrid composites having sequence of C ₂ G ₃ C ₂ (2-Carbon/3-Glass/2-Carbon layers) showed better overall properties. Moreover, the addition of halloysites enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the C ₂ G ₃ C ₂ hybrid composites. In particular, the hybrid composites added with 3 wt.% of halloysites showed higher overall properties among the other hybrid composites investigated. Finally, the morphological analysis was performed on the fractured surface of mechanical tested composites to study the failure mechanisms occurred. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that the C ₂ G ₃ C ₂ hybrid composites added with 3 wt.% of halloysite could be a suitable alternative light weight material for automobile, aerospace and building structures.