Fabrication of antibacterial bio‐composite from polyvinyl alcohol incorporated with <i>Azadirachta indica</i>

Abstract This study focuses on the development of a bio‐composite by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with Azadirachta indica (neem) extract using the film casting method. The morphological structure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), antibacterial properties were assessed through the agar disc diffusion method, and thermal behaviors were studied using TGA and DSC. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the bonding behavior, and a Universal Strength Tester was used to determine the mechanical properties. The SEM image revealed that the surface of the produced PVA and neem bio‐composite (PNBC) exhibited a moderate texture and porosity of 11.13% and 9.25%, respectively. The developed bio‐composite exhibited antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of 18 mm against E. coli and 21 mm against S. aureus . The FTIR spectra of the bio‐composites displayed distinctive peaks corresponding to both PVA and neem, confirming their presence in the material. The material's elongation at break (117.493 mm) and elongation at peak (64.159 mm) reflect its capacity for deformability and flexibility under stress. Moreover, PNBC has a T g of 84°C, a pyrolysis temperature of 266°C, and degrades between 230 and 400°C, as shown by DSC and TGA. Finally, the results of this experiment were compared with available literature and a cost analysis was conducted. Highlights Bio‐composite is developed by combining PVA with Azadirachta indica (neem) extract using the film casting method. The morphological structure, antibacterial properties, mechanical, and thermal behaviors have been studied. The bio‐composite shows inhibition zones of 18 mm against E. coli and 21 mm against S. aureus. The material's elongation at break (117.493 mm) and elongation at peak (64.159 mm) reflect its capacity for deformability and flexibility under stress. The results are compared with the literature and a cost analysis is presented.