Nano boron nitride laminated poly(ethyl methacrylate)/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films imprinted with silver nanoparticles as gas barrier and bacteria resistant packaging materials

Abstract

Herein, nano boron nitride (BN) laminated poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films are fabricated by using a simple in situ polymerization technique with incorporation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Structural investigations of PEMA/PVA/Ag@BN nanocomposite thin films are carried out by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction analysis, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. The change in morphology of PEMA/PVA matrix due to the reinforcement of BN platelets are identified by electron microscopic studies. The unique tortuous paths are achieved by the dispersion of BN platelets by which gas penetration is restricted with enhancing the barrier properties of the material by 6.5 folds at 5 wt% BN content as compared with neat PEMA/PVA. Acid and alkali resistant along with biodegradability behavior of as‐synthesized nanocomposites are studied. From limiting oxygen index (LOI) results, it is found that the prepared materials are fire retardant in nature owing to effective reinforcement of BN layers. Antibacterial activities of PEMA/PVA/Ag@BN nanocomposite are studied by Xanthomonas citri or axonopodis pv. Citri, Escherichia coli, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae because of Ag NPs reinforcement. The substantial improvements in gas barrier, fire retardant, and antibacterial properties enable the materials for packaging application.