Eco‐Friendly PVA/CMTKP@ZnO Nanocomposite Film for Sustainable Packaging with Enhanced UV Protection

Abstract This study examines the synthesis and characterization of an innovative biodegradable nanocomposite film, which consists of polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl tamarind kernel powder, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (PVA/CMTKP@ZnO). The film was developed using the solution casting method, with ZnO nanoparticles incorporated ex situ. The film's structural, morphological, thermal, and optical properties were examined by a range of analytical methods, including UV–vis, DLS, FTIR, XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, FT‐NMR, DSC, and TGA. The crystallite size of ZnO nanoparticles was ascertained to be 28 nm. The integration of ZnO nanoparticles markedly improved the UV‐blocking efficacy of the PVA/CMTKP@ZnO film, attaining nearly 100% UV protection in the 200–360 nm spectrum. This significant enhancement is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the powerful UV‐blocking qualities of ZnO nanoparticles with the intrinsic UV‐absorbing characteristics of CMTKP. The engineered nanocomposite film exhibits considerable promise as an eco‐friendly packaging solution, offering improved UV protection in conjunction with its biodegradability characteristics. The results highlight the film's multifunctionality, providing an environmentally sustainable alternative to alleviate pollution and diminish dependence on traditional plastic packaging.