Clay nanopaper composites of nacre-like structure based on montmorrilonite and cellulose nanofibers-Improvements due to chitosan addition

► Nacre-like structure clay nanopaper-silicate platelets, nanofibers and chitosan. ► Chitosan as flocculation agent results in rapid preparation. ► High strength and toughness despite high inorganic content. ► Chitosan improves barrier properties at high humidity.