Abstract
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), novel 1D natural materials with a unique tubular nanostructure, large aspect ratio, biocompatibility, and high mechanical strength, are promising nanofillers to improve the properties of polymers. In this review, we summarize the recent progress toward the development of polysaccharide-HNTs composites, paying attention to the main existence forms and wastewater treatment application particularly. The purification of HNTs and fabrication of the composites are discussed first. Polysaccharides, such as alginate, chitosan, starch, and cellulose, reinforced with HNTs show improved mechanical, thermal, and swelling properties. Finally, we summarize the unique characteristics of polysaccharide-HNTs composites and review the recent development of the practical applications.
Highlights
Nanofillers recently have drawn extensive attention from academic and industrial fields due to their unique performance [1]
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), 1D natural materials with a unique tubular nanostructure, large aspect ratio, biocompatibility, and high mechanical strength, have arisen as promising nanofillers to improve the properties of polymers [9,10]
We summarized the recent research studies regarding polysaccharide-halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)
Summary
Nanofillers recently have drawn extensive attention from academic and industrial fields due to their unique performance [1] The traditional materials, such as black carbon, graphite, silica, and silicate, can significantly improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and permeability of various polymers [2,3]. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), 1D natural materials with a unique tubular nanostructure, large aspect ratio, biocompatibility, and high mechanical strength, have arisen as promising nanofillers to improve the properties of polymers [9,10]. Due to the stable tubular morphology, charge distribution, the specific origin, and unique crystal structure, HNTs can be dispersed into single particles and the lumen diameter of HNTs fits well to macromolecule and protein diameters, causing the good combination between polysaccharides and HNTs [30,31,32]. We have a better understanding of unique characteristics of polysaccharide-HNTs composites, which can be helpful to the continuous expansion of their application in the future
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
