Processing and Mechanical Behaviour of Halloysite Filled Starch Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

Bionanocomposites based on halloysite nanotubes (HNT) as nanofillers and starch as polymer matrix were prepared by melt-extrusion process using glycerol as plasticizer and glycerol monostearate as lubricant. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images show homogenous dispersion of HNTs in starch matrix. A Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) reveals the interaction between external hydroxyl groups of HNTs with C–O–C groups of starch. Upon halloysite addition, storage modulus, Young modulus and tensile strength increase without loss of ductility.