Abstract Polymer syntactic foams are a class of polymer composites prepared by incorporation of hollow microballoons in a polymer matrix. The advantageous feature of this class of foams is their tailor-made properties by changing the volume fraction of hollow fillers and matrix. The present study deals with the preparation and properties of epoxy-glass microballoon syntactic foams containing 40–60% (v/v) of glass microballoons. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) (0.1–0.5% v/v) have been used as reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties while maintaining a constant filler percentage (40% v/v) for all compositions. Results indicate significant improvement in quasi-static mechanical properties at 0.3% v/v HNTs. Compressive toughness, indicated by the area under stress-strain curve increases by ~60% signifying higher energy absorption due to incorporation of HNTs. The present study highlights the efficacy of HNTs in reinforcing epoxy-glass microballoons syntactic foams.

中文翻译：

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埃洛石纳米管增强环氧玻璃微球复合泡沫

摘要 聚合物复合泡沫是通过在聚合物基体中掺入空心微球制备的一类聚合物复合材料。这类泡沫的优势在于它们通过改变空心填料和基体的体积分数来定制特性。本研究涉及含有 40-60% (v/v) 玻璃微球的环氧玻璃微球复合泡沫的制备和性能。埃洛石纳米管 (HNT) (0.1–0.5% v/v) 已被用作增强材料以提高机械性能，同时保持所有组合物的填料百分比 (40% v/v) 不变。结果表明在 0.3% v/v HNT 时准静态机械性能有显着改善。抗压韧性，应力-应变曲线下的面积增加了约 60%，表明由于 HNT 的掺入，能量吸收更高。本研究强调了 HNT 在增强环氧玻璃微球复合泡沫中的功效。