The
design of novel nanocomposite films based on hydroxypropyl
cellulose (HPC) and wax/halloysite hybrid microspheres has been reported.
In particular, we first prepared wax/clay Pickering emulsions which
were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and microscopy. SEM
images allowed more detailed insights on the nanotubes disposition
at the wax/water interface, acting as an outer stabilizing shell.
Therefore, the cellulosic biopolymer was added, and it was found that
HPC enhances the colloidal stability of the particles, preventing
their coalescence and sedimentation. The preparation of the composite
films was carried out by the solvent casting method, which enabled
the development of very homogeneous materials. Contact angle and sliding
angle measurements showed that the increasing amount of wax/halloysite
microparticles into the biopolymeric matrix is responsible for an
enhanced hydrophobic nature of the films and, at the same time, it
facilitates the rolling process of droplets on the surfaces, thus
making the prepared materials promising protective coatings. These
findings were also confirmed by the decrease of the vapor permeability
of the nanocomposites, which can act as a gas barrier. Moreover, the
effect of the composition on the optical properties, namely transparency
and colorimetric features, was investigated together with the thermal
properties of the films. Results demonstrated that the presence of
wax/halloysite microspheres as fillers within the HPC matrix has profound
effects on the prepared systems, which were evaluated to be good energy
storage and heat reservoir materials. In light of these aspects, the
new HPC/wax/halloysite nanocomposites represent promising tools for
the surface modification.