Recent advances in halloysite nanotubes reinforced polymer composites

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring inorganic nanotubes, which have similar chemical constitution with Kaolinite. Due to their abundance and low cost, combined with superiorelastic modulus and high aspect ratio, HNTs have been widely employed to reinforce and toughen polymer materials. In this review, we briefly summarize the structural characteristics and surface chemical properties of HNTs. Moreover, to improve HNTs dispersion and increase the interfacial interaction between HNTs and polymers, covalent or non-covalent surface functionalization methods for HNTs are utilized. Most importantly, the research progressin the past decade on HNTs reinforced polymer materials which includethermosetting resins, polyamides, polyolefins and rubbers are carefully shown and discussed in detail. Finally, the scientific trends of HNTs/Polymer nanocomposites are proposed.