Natural halloysite clay nanotubes are described as 50 nm diameter and 1000 nm length containers for controlled release of chemical agents. Loading these tubes' 15-nm diameter lumens with chemicals, including bioactive molecules (self-healing, flame-retardant, anticorrosion, antimicrobial agents, proteins, DNA, and drugs) and doping them into polymers allows for a sustained release providing these nanocomposites with new smart properties.  Typically, addition of 5-10 % halloysite synergistically increases materials strength on 30-70 %,  2-3 times enhances composite adhesivity and adds new functions due to triggered release of needed chemicals in defect points. The release may be enhanced by application of mechanical strength or by pH and temperature.  Halloysite is biocompatible �green� material and its simple processing combined with low cost make it a perspective additive for polymeric composites.

Halloysite nanotubes with controlled release of chemical agents for smart composites

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.