Augmented properties of PVA hybrid nanocomposites containing cellulose nanocrystals and silver nanoparticles

PVA nanocomposites containing cellulose nanocrystals and silver nanoparticles have been prepared and their properties were investigated. Even though bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNC) improved the mechanical properties of hydrophilic polymers like modulus and strength, they also contributed to increased brittleness. An attempt was made to reduce the brittleness of the films by incorporating Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) along with BCNC. The AgNPs could form complexes with the hydroxyl groups of PVA and played the role of physical crosslinks, which makes them less hydrophilic and more ductile in nature. FTIR studies were used to confirm the interaction of AgNPs with PVA. The addition of AgNPs increased the elongation properties without compromising on other mechanical properties and at the same time it significantly reduced the moisture sorption also. Results of the study indicated that the combination of two different nanomaterials was highly effective in overcoming certain limitations of PVA-BCNC nanocomposites. PVA nanocomposite films with superior properties were prepared using a combination of two nanomaterials: cellulose nanocrystals and silver nanoparticles.