(531e) Processing of Linear Low Density Polyethylene-Halloysite Nanotube (LLDPE/HNT) Nanocomposite at High Temperature Using a Two-Roll Calendering Machine

Nanocomposites, as high performance materials possessing various tailor-made property combinations, have gained strong interest in practical and industrial applications. Possible uses of naturally occurring materials in production of nanocomposite will make it economically more feasible to be commercialized. In this regard, halloysite nanotube (HNT) is of particular interest among all natural materials as well as various types of nanoclays due to its unique structural advantages over the others. This experimental study is carried out on clay/polymer nanocomposites made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and HNT via melt mixing using a two-roll calendering machine. In this work, the effects of halloysite nanotube filler content and processing conditions in working with two-roll caledering machine on the mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer matrix will be investigated. Further, the results based on the calendaring method will be compared with other nanocomposite fabrication methods of twin-screw extrusion and batch mixing.