Cellulose nanocrystal/silver nanoparticle composites as bifunctional nanofillers within waterborne polyurethane

Developing bionanocomposites from renewable biomass is a viable supplement for materials produced from mineral and fossil fuel resources. In this study, nanocomposites composed of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CCNs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and used as bifunctional nanofillers to improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU). Morphology, structure and performance of the CCNs/AgNPs nanocomposites and WPU-based films were investigated. WPU-based composite films were homogeneous and reinforced. The WPU/CCNs/AgNPs composite showed excellent antimicrobial properties in killing both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus. The CCNs/AgNPs nanocomposites could be applied as bifunctional nanofillers within WPU.