Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes and Its Research Progress in Packaging Films

QIAN Ziqiang; LIU Zheng; YANG Xiuxiu; MO Shusen; YANG Shun; ZHENG Huaming

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.21.001

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (21) : 1-10. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.21.001

Advanced Materials

Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes and Its Research Progress in Packaging Films

QIAN Ziqiang¹, LIU Zheng², YANG Xiuxiu², MO Shusen¹, YANG Shun¹, ZHENG Huaming^1*

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Abstract

The work aims to systematically investigate the structural characteristics, purification methods, and surface functionalization strategies of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs), so as to develop high-performance HNTs composite film materials, and expand their potential applications in food packaging films. The purification processes of HNTs were elaborated. Based on their distinct chemical properties of the inner and outer surfaces, a detailed analysis of various functional modification strategies such as etching, pore expansion, surfactant modification, end-capping and the mechanisms by which different surface modification methods influence the material's interfacial characteristics was provided. The application of HNTs in food packaging films was also discussed. The results demonstrate that acid/alkali etching can precisely control the tube diameter and specific surface area of HNTs, significantly enhancing their active molecule loading capacity; Modification with silane coupling agents effectively improves the interfacial compatibility between HNTs and the polymer matrix, providing a new approach for designing high-performance nanocomposite film; The end-capping technology for HNTs can prolong the release cycle of active ingredients, demonstrating its potential application in sustained-release packaging films; HNTs-plant essential oil composite films can significantly extend the shelf life of food, showing promising application prospects in the food packaging.

Key words

halloysite nanotubes / surface functionalization / sustained-release / composite film / food packaging

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QIAN Ziqiang, LIU Zheng, YANG Xiuxiu, MO Shusen, YANG Shun, ZHENG Huaming. Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes and Its Research Progress in Packaging Films[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2025, 46(21): 1-10 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.21.001

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