Properties of novel polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose nanocrystals/silver nanoparticles blend membranes

•Novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNs)/silver nanparticles(AgNPs) composites were prepared.•CNs/AgNPs were used as bi-functional nanofiller to improve properties of PVA.•The mechanical properties and antibacterial activities of PVA were improved significantly by CNs/AgNPs. Novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend membranes containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared via a simple method. CNs were prepared by sulfuric acid treatment of microcrystalline cellulose. AgNO3 aqueous solution mixed with the CNs aqueous suspension and was reduced by NaBH4 at room temperature. Purified CNs/AgNPs nanocomposites as functional fillers mixed with polyvinyl alcohol to prepare blend membrane. The morphology, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activities of PVA/CNs/AgNPs composite films were investigated. The PVA/CNs/AgNPs composite films were stable and homogeneous. The tensile strength of PVA was increased from 57.02MPa to 81.21MPa when filled with CNs/AgNPs. Antibacterial ratio of PVA/CNs/AgNPs composite against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus was 96.9% and 88.2%, respectively. The CNs/AgNPs nanocomposites could be applied as bi-functional nanofillers within PVA to improve the mechanical properties and antibacterial activities.