Nano-biocomposite films fabricated from cellulose fibers and halloysite nanotubes

Abstract In this study, halloysite (Hal)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite films were prepared using vacuum-filtering assembly method. Microstructures, chemical composition, crystal structures, thermal performances, mechanical properties, and light transmission properties of the composite films were characterized. The results showed that Hal was well uniformly dispersed in the composite films. The interactions between Hal and CNF endowed the formation of a robust network structure, and the surfaces of the composite films were rough by the addition of Hal. X-ray diffraction result showed the crystallinity of CNF declined by Hal, while the thermal stability of the composite films increased remarkably. The tensile strength of the composite films increased compared with pure CNF film, for example, the tensile strength and the elongation at break of the composite film with 3 Hal was 41.9 MPa and 11.7%, respectively. As the content of Hal in the composite film increased, the light transmittance of the composite film decreased, since the addition of Hal led to a growth in the haze of the composite films. The prepared high-performance Hal/CNF composite films show promising application in degradable food package.