Recently emerging advancements in halloysite nanotubes polymer nanocomposites

ABSTRACT

Recently, as a result of their superior thermal stability, high aspect ratios, biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and ease of availability, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), naturally sourced nanomaterials exhibiting one dimensionality and hollow tubular nanostructures have attracted global interests due to their potential utilization in polymer nanocomposites. Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) filled with HNTs exhibits highly improved toughness, tensile and flexural strength, and elastic moduli. HNT-polymer nanocomposites (HNT-PNCs) have also demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, fire hindrance and peculiar crystallization attributes. As a result of their tubular microstructure and biocompatibility, HNT-PNCs have revealed excellent drug encapsulating and releasing affinities, giving them significant utilization as drug purveyors, in tissue engineering and scaffolding. In present elucidation, novel recently emerging trends in fabrication, functionalization and application of HNT-PNCs in medicine, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and automobile industries are presented. Past, current and future market prospects of HNT-PNCs are also presented.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Halloysite nanotubes
• polymer nanocomposites
• flame retardancy
• thermal stability

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Ebonyi State University, Nigeria for providing enabling facilities for the success of this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.