1. AFM Characterization of Halloysite Clay Nanocomposites' Superficial Properties: Current State-of-the-Art and Perspectives.
- Author
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Cascione, Mariafrancesca, De Matteis, Valeria, Persano, Francesca, and Leporatti, Stefano
- Subjects
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POLYMER clay , *HALLOYSITE , *NANOCOMPOSITE materials , *ELECTRON microscopes , *CLAY , *SMART devices - Abstract
Natural halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) are versatile inorganic reinforcing materials for creating hybrid composites. Upon doping HNTs with polymers, coating, or loading them with bioactive molecules, the production of novel nanocomposites is possible, having specific features for several applications. To investigate HNTs composites nanostructures, AFM is a very powerful tool since it allows for performing nano-topographic and morpho-mechanical measurements in any environment (air or liquid) without treatment of samples, like electron microscopes require. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of recent AFM investigations of HNTs and HNT nanocomposites for unveiling hidden characteristics inside them envisaging future perspectives for AFM as a smart device in nanomaterials characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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