Influence of halloysite nanotubes on moisture absorption and mechanical behavior of CFRP with deep learning-based prediction

This study investigates the effect of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) on mitigating moisture absorption and the associated mechanical degradation in epoxy-based carbon fiber–reinforced plastics (CFRP) under prolonged exposure to water environments. HNT are nanoadditives known to enhance both moisture resistance and mechanical properties. CFRP specimens containing 1 and 5[Formula: see text]wt.% HNT were fabricated, and their moisture absorption behavior, mechanical property changes and fracture surface morphologies were evaluated. Moisture absorption tests conducted in 70 ∘ C distilled water for 90 days revealed that the incorporation of HNT reduced the moisture absorption rate of CFRP by up to 30%. Mechanical testing showed that the addition of 1[Formula: see text]wt.% HNT improved flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength by approximately 6%, effectively mitigating property degradation following moisture exposure. Fracture surface analysis indicated improved fiber–matrix interfacial bonding due to the presence of HNT, contributing to the retention of mechanical performance. Furthermore, a deep-learning-based prediction model was developed and validated against experimental data to predict the moisture absorption and mechanical property changes of CFRP containing 2–4[Formula: see text]wt.% HNT. These findings demonstrate that incorporating HNT is effective in enhancing the moisture resistance and mechanical durability of CFRP.