Chitosan/halloysite nanotubes bionanocomposites: Structure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility

Incorporation of nanosized reinforcements into chitosan usually results in improved properties and changed microstructures. Naturally occurred halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are incorporated into chitosan for forming bionanocomposite films via solution casting. The electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding interactions between HNTs and chitosan are confirmed. HNTs are uniformly dispersed in chitosan matrix. The tensile strength and Young's...