Development of PBAT films reinforced with SiC/g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids for enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial...

In this study, silicon carbide (SiC)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanohybrids were successfully synthesized and incorporated into poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposite films using the solvent casting method at different loadings (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt%). The structural and morphological characteristics of the nanocomposite films were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images confirmed the uniform dispersion of SiC/g-C₃N₄ within the PBAT matrix. The incorporation of 5 wt% SiC/g-C₃N₄ significantly improved the material properties, yielding a maximum tensile strength of 26.1 MPa (vs. neat PBAT: ~18.4 MPa) and a water contact angle of 94.5° (vs. neat PBAT: ~72.6°), indicating enhanced mechanical strength and hydrophobicity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. sureus) using the agar well diffusion method. The 5 wt% nanocomposite film exhibited the largest inhibition zones, measuring 15.2 and 13.6 mm against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, whereas neat PBAT showed no antibacterial activity. These findings demonstrate that incorporating SiC/g-C₃N₄ enhances both the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of PBAT, highlighting its potential for food packaging applications.