<p>Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite coating including a nanoparticle filler, where the filler may be suitable to alter one or more characteristics of the coating. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the general configuration of a cylinder or a rolled scroll-like shape, and a polymer protective coating containing the halloysite nanoparticle or equivalent nanotubular filler.</p>