Flame retardancy of nanocomposites with emphasis on Halloysite nanotubes

Industrial and academic communities have been paying close attention to developments in polymer nanocomposite technology. Nanomaterials can be combined to create nanocomposites with goal of enhancing specific physical, thermal, and other characteristics. Materials such as choice of clay, pre-treatment, choice of polymers and their component, and method of incorporating polymers within the nanocomposites, all have a bearing on the nature and final qualities of resulting nanocomposites. The properties of composites are considerably changed when nanoparticles are added to polymers, but the effects rely greatly on how the nanomaterials are processed and surface-treated. To create a nanocomposite with the requisite physical and mechanical qualities, a nanomaterial is mixed with a polymer. In comparison to other clays, surface features of Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) provide opportunities for surface modifications. Besides, due to inter-tubular and interfacial interactions between HNT and polymer as well as structure of HNT, the thermal properties of nanocomposites are enhanced. In this review, various properties of HNT necessary for fire retardancy of nanocomposites are discussed. Over the past decade, Halloysite has been recognized as nanomaterial of choice with different polymers to act as synergist for thermal stability and regulate the flame retardancy behaviour of resultant nanocomposite.