Multifunctional bionanocomposite films of poly(lactic acid), cellulose nanocrystals and silver nanoparticles

• Nanocomposite films were prepared by the addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) eventually surfactant modified (s-CNC) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in the polylactic acid (PLA) matrix using melt extrusion followed by a film formation process. Multifunctional composite materials were investigated in terms of morphological, mechanical, thermal and antibacterial response. The nanocomposite films maintained the transparency properties of the PLA matrix. Thermal analysis showed increased values of crystallinity in the nanocomposites, more evident in the s-CNC based formulations that had the highest tensile Young modulus. The presence of surfactant favoured the dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals in the polymer matrix and the nucleation effect was remarkably enhanced. Moreover, an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coil cells was detected for ternary systems, suggesting that these novel nanocomposites may offer good perspectives for food packaging applications which require an antibacterial effect constant over time. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Polymerkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Polymer Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Polylactic acid

Nanocomposite

Nanocrystalline cellulose

Antibacterial response

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)