This book will explain the great potential of polymer-clay nanocomposites and will bring together the combined physico-chemical, materials science and biological expertise to introduce the reader to the vibrant field of nanoclay materials.

Functional Nanocomposites Based on Fibrous Clays;
Fibrillar Attapulgite-Rubber Nanocomposites;
Rubber-Rectorite Composites with High Gas Barrier Properties;
Design and Physiochemical Characterization of Novel Organic-Inorganic Hybrids from Natural Aluminosilicate Nanotubes;
Surface Modification of Halloysite;
Halloysite Based Smart Hybrid Nanomaterials for the Solubilization of Hydrophobic Compounds in Aqueous Media;
Halloysite and Related Mesoporous Carriers for Advanced Catalysis and Drug Delivery;
Application of Clay Materials as Nanocontainers for Self-Healing Coatings;
Flame Retardant Polymer-Halloysite Nanocomposites;
Polymer-Halloysite Composite Membranes for Ultrafiltration and Proton Exchange Applications;
Rubber Functionalized with Halloysite Loaded with Antioxidants and Antibacterials;
Halloysite-Dopamine Hybrid Nanotubes to Immobilize Biomacromolecules;
Halloysite Clay Nanotubes for Long Acting Controlled Release of Drugs and Proteins;
Biocompatible Electrospun Polymer-Halloysite Nanofibers for Sustained Release;
Toxicological Evaluation of Clay Nanomaterials and Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites

Polymer-clay nanocomposites have flame-retardant, antimicrobial, anticorrosion and self-healing properties, they are biocompatible and environmentally benign. Multiple types of clay minerals may be exfoliated or individually dispersed and then used as natural nanoparticle additives of different size and shape for composite formation. Loading polymers with clays increases their strength, however, it is only recently that such composites were prepared with controlled nanoscale organization allowing for the enhancement of their mechanical properties and functionality. Edited by pioneers in the field, this book will explain the great potential of these materials and will bring together the combined physico-chemical, materials science and biological expertise to introduce the reader to the vibrant field of nanoclay materials. This book will provide an essential text for materials and polymers scientists in industry and academia.