(107b) Halloysite Nanotube Nanocomposite: Processing and Characterizations

Nano-clays have gained increasing popularity in practical applications including functional polymer-clay nanocomposites (PCN’s), material compatibliziers, polymer and rubber processing aids, performance enhancing nanofillers, rheological property modifiers, thermomechanical property enhancers, use in controlled drug release agents, and much more. Among the members that are classifiable under nanoclays, halloysite nanotube (HNT) is of particular interest, based on its abundant availability as high-purity naturally-occurring minerals, unique tubular nanostructure, high aspect ratio, inherently rich functionality, a nearly uniform ratio (2:1) of silica to alumina, excellent cation exchangeability, retainability of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemicals, and more. In this paper, fabrication, processing, and characterization of HNT-nanocomposites will be examined and a preferred approach will be presented. The relationship between the thermomechanical and rheological properties and the specifically enhanced functions will also be investigated on the prepared HNT-nanocomposites.