Evaluation of zein/halloysite nano-containers as reservoirs of active molecules for packaging applications: Preparation and analysis of physical properties

•Environmental friendly composites based on zein and halloysite were prepared.•The zein thermal degradation was significantly improved with the filler content.•Mechanical properties showed a reinforcement of zein matrix.•HNTs were filled with potassium sorbate and dispersed into the zein matrix.•Such environmentally friendly systems are promising in the active packaging field.

This work aims to evaluate the possibility to introduce natural nano-containers for active molecules, such as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), into an environmentally friendly material: natural zein. Composites were prepared in a wide range of HNTs composition (i.e. 1–10 wt%) and structural and physical properties were analyzed. HNTs were also filled with an active molecule commonly used as preservative in food packaging, such as potassium sorbate (KS), and the diffusion of such molecule was evaluated. The zein thermal degradation resulted significantly improved with the filler content. Mechanical properties showed a reinforcement of zein matrix. HNTs were filled with potassium sorbate and dispersed into the zein matrix.