PET-halloysite nanotubes composites for packaging application: Preparation, characterization and analysis of physical properties

Composites based on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared through high energy ball milling (HEBM) at ambient temperature and with no solvents. A wide range of HNTs loading was used (i.e. 1-7 wt%) and films produced. Morphological organization and physical (thermal, degradation, mechanical) properties were analyzed and correlated to HNTs content. HNTs were also filled with an antimicrobial model molecule, sodium benzoate, to test the effectiveness of such nano-containers as filler for polymers to be used in active packaging, enlightening very good perspectives in this field.