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

► Chitosan/halloysite bionanocomposite film was prepared via solution-casting method. ► HNTs can interact with chitosan via hydrogen bonding. ► HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the chitosan matrix. ► The nanocomposites showed significantly improved mechanical and thermal properties. ► Chitosan/HNTs bionanocomposites were biocompatible as well as the pure chitosan.