Thermal stability and flammability of polyolefin/halloysite nanotubes composites

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have become promising halogen-free flame retardants of polyolefin's. Due to their tubular structure, HNTs can create stable barrier against heat and mass transport processes. Encapsulation of polymer's degradation products inside HNTs lumens seems to be important factor, too. Different aspects of HNTs dispersion in polyolefin's matrices such as modification of HNTs and/or presence of coupling agents or special processing techniques were presented. HNTs can act as flame retardants without sacrificing mechanical properties only after homogeneous dispersion in polymer matrix.