Abstract
Halloysite is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate in the form of nanotubes, also known as halloysite nanotube (HNTs). This has been focused as a functionally effective material in order to mechanical strengthening by restrictive matrix dislocation movement. Especially, there are studies showing that adding HNTs to plastic improves tensile strength, impact resistance, fire retardancy and gives the added advantage of improved cycling time in production by injection molding. In the current study, we established the optimal dispersion condition of HNTs using ultrasonication, and analyzed the impact properties of nanocomposites based on HNTs and unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). Also the sructural changes of HNTs by heat treating at various temperatures was evaluated. The ultrasonic homogenization is used in the production of nano-size materials, dispersions and emulsions, because of the potential in the deagglomeration. Additionally, the reinforcement effect of HNTs was studied as well.
