Halloysite silanization in polyethylene terephthalate composites for bottling and packaging applications

Abstract Composite materials of polyethylene terephthalate with silanized halloysite nanoclay were prepared and characterized. Halloysite was first functionalized benzoyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane then incorporated it into the polymer matrix via melt extrusion at 0.5, 1, 2 wt% clay load ratios. The modified characterized by means elemental carbon quantification, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption. silanization confirmed to have taken place an approximate reaction yield 5%. While did not significantly affect crystal structure or morphological properties clay, a mass loss starting from 190 °C attributed organosilane compound used modify observed in reacted samples, along increased thermal stability. composite exhibited increase Young’s modulus decrease ultimate strain, but significant change oxygen permeability composites respect neat PET. Graphical abstract