Morphological, structural, mechanical and antibacterial behavior of chitosan/PVA polymeric blends reinforced with silver nanoparticles

Chitosan (CS) is a biodegradable polymer derived from natural sources. It is a randomly distributed linear polysaccharide. The study examined the characteristics and antibacterial effectiveness of a Chitosan/PVA blend by a ratio of 90:10 sample that is strengthened with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in various amounts (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% by weight). The sample is manufactured using the solution casting method. The prepared samples underwent analysis utilizing a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical testing, specifically a tensile test. The establishment of a blend is indicated by changes in the energy levels and reductions in the intensities of specific FTIR bands. The antimicrobial efficacy of the mixtures generated in varying amounts is assessed using the near-maximum inhibitory concentration approach against Escherichia coli and staphylococci. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibit a high level of clarity. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are evenly dispersed throughout the polymer and are integrated. Entirely contained within the polymer. The stress-strain curves of the samples containing a mixture of Ag NPs-reinforced chitosan and PVA demonstrate an increase in hardness. The DSC analysis reveals a marginal reduction in the temperature at which the polymer decomposes. The antibacterial activity is assessed by measuring the inhibition at a concentration of 2.5%. The mixture exhibited greater efficiency against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli (E)) than gram-positive bacteria (S.aureus (s)). The aim of this work to create novel polymeric composites with good mechanical properties that are appropriate for various environmental impacts and are based on chitosan/PVA polymeric blends and silver nanoparticles. It also evaluates the mechanical characteristics and antibacterial behavior of the composites as well as the prospects of employing materials in medical applications.