Evaluation of the structure-property-relationships of novel halloysite-polymer nanocomposites

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Volker Altstädt
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2007 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 34282939

The project aims to establish the potential of naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes [Al2(OH)4Si2O5(2H2O)] as a novel reinforcement for structural polyamide-6 nanocomposites prepared by twin-screw extrusion, containing both as-received as well as chemically-modified non-carbon nanotubes. Varying degrees of filler and molecular orientation are induced by injection-moulding of specimens with a different thickness as well as by direct fibre melt-spinning. Taking into account the expected variations in nanocomposite microstructure, the reinforcement capability of the halloysite nanotubes is compared to that observed for standard clay or carbon-based nanoparticles.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants