Nanoengineered Eggshell-Silver Tailored Copolyester Polymer Blend Film with Antimicrobial Properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poly(butylene-co-adipate terephthalate)/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) blends are widely used but can benefit from enhanced properties.
• Incorporating nanomaterials offers a route to improve polymer characteristics, including antimicrobial activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of eggshell/silver (ES-Ag) nanomaterial on the structural and antimicrobial properties of PBAT/PLA blends.
• To evaluate the mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial performance of ternary PBAT/PLA/ES-Ag composite films.

Main Methods:

• ES-Ag nanomaterial synthesized via ball milling and characterized using XRD, XPS, and TEM.
• PBAT/PLA/ES-Ag films prepared by hot melt extrusion and 3D printing.
• Characterization included TGA, DSC, SEM, XRD, tensile testing, and antimicrobial analysis.

Main Results:

• ES-Ag incorporation improved thermal stability (onset degradation temperature, char yield) but reduced tensile properties due to poor matrix interaction.
• Films exhibited bacteriostatic effects against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis.
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed no silver nanoparticle release into water or food samples.

Conclusions:

• PBAT/PLA/ES-Ag ternary systems offer improved thermal properties and antimicrobial activity.
• The composite films demonstrate potential for applications requiring bacteriostatic properties without leaching concerns.
• ES-Ag nanomaterial can reinforce PBAT/PLA blends, yielding materials with dual functionality.