In-situ preparation of halloysite nanotube-epoxy thermoset nanocomposites via light-induced cationic polymerization

•In-situ preparation of halloysite-epoxy nanocomposites utilizing an epoxy modified halloysite (HNT) are effectively achieved via light-induced cationic polymerization.•Elasticity modulus, tensile strength and percent elongation values increased dramatically by loading up to 4% HNT loading ratio.•The incorporation of nanotubes slightly enhanced the thermal properties of the obtained nanocomposites as well.•A combination of agglomerated/non-agglomerated HNTs in the thermoset matrix was proved by SEM and TEM analyses.