NaturalNano Inc. has found a way to use Halloysite, a naturally occurring tubular clay, as an unobtrusive carrier in metals, perfumes and other substances.

By filling Halloysite tubes with copper and then mixing the tubes into a polymer, a manufacturer could make an electrically conductive plastic. If filled with fungicides, the Halloysite particles–which consist of aluminum, oxygen, silicon and hydrogen–could be swirled into paint to make it more resistant to mildew and mold. Time-released coatings could also be added to make all-day deodorant.