Investigation on Mechanical Behaviors of Polyamide 11 Reinforced with Halloysite Nanotubes

The inorganic halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a promising type of natural occurring filler for polymers. Its characteristics such as high aspect ratio (10–50), small size, and high strength (elastic modulus—140 GPa) suggest that HNTs have a potential use in high-performance polymer nanocomposites. Compared to other nanoclays and nanosilica, the relatively low content of hydroxyl groups on their surfaces makes HNTs relatively hydrophobic, although, sometimes, this is not sufficient for guaranty a good interfacial adhesion in composite systems. In the present study, halloysite nanotubes were incorporated in a polyamide 11 (PA11) matrix by melt extrusion, using a twin-screw extruder and injection molding machine. The neat PA11 and PA11/HNT nanocomposites were characterized by mechanical tests (tensile, flexural and impact tests), and the correlation between properties were discussed.