PVA/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites films incorporated with copper nanoparticles; characterization and antibacterial performance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Cellulose and Paper Department National Research Centre

2 cellulose and paper department, chemical industries division, national research centre

3 Cellulose and paper department, National Research Centre

4 Cellulose and paper department, National research centre

Abstract

Due to their unique structure and properties, biocompatibility, adaptable surface chemistry, optical transparency, non-toxic, biodegradability, and improved mechanical properties, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are considered very promising for use as reinforcement material in construction of high-performance nanocomposites. Many biodegradable polymers are used as a matrix in the manufacture of these nanocomposites, among them polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In the current study, the nanocomposites films, PVA loaded by CNCs prepared from rice husk and PVA loaded by CNCs and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were fabricated. The prepared nanocomposite films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA&DTA), and mechanical properties. The prepared nanocomposites films were evaluated for their antibacterial activity by disk diffusion technique against pathogenic bacteria. The results reveal that PVA films loaded by CNCs and Cu-NPs have improved tensile strength as well as efficient antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains and are promising to be used as packaging material.

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