Abstract

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring hollow nanotubes which are widely investigated as these
materials have attractive features and results in improved properties of resulted nanocomposites. In this present
work, we have successfully synthesized polymethylmethacrylate-HNT nanocomposites by solution casting method
using ultrasound energy in a greener, safer, faster, and facile way. The effect of clay loading and ultrasound energy
on the structure, morphology, and thermal properties of nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction,
Fourier transform and infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning
calorimetry. According to the experimental results, nanocomposites synthesized on utilizing ultrasound revealed
complete exfoliation of filler into the polymer matrix. Furthermore, sonication time of 60 minutes resulted in
uniform distribution of particle as observed by SEM. Increase in sonication time resulted in decrease in glass
transition temperature (Tg) of nanocomposites due to the breaking of polymer chains due to excessive temperature
and pressure generated during sonication. FT-IR analysis broadcasted presence of HNTs in the polymer matrix,
and hence, the confirmed successful incorporation of HNTs in the polymer matrix.