A novel synthesis of poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan nanofibers/BisGMA based partially biodegradable nanocomposites: study of mechanical, thermochemical, antibacterial and anticorrosive properties

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design novel, cost-effective and partially biodegradable poly (vinyl alcohol)-chitosan (CS) nanofibers-reinforced BisGMA (Bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate)-based nanocomposites usable as new promising high touch structural surfaces in medical field with improved mechanical, thermochemical, antibacterial and anticorrosive properties. Design/methodology/approach In this work, initially the development of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan nanofibers was carried out using chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) solution. The PVA/CS nanofibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction method (XRD). Then the BisGMA (Bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate)-based nanocomposites were fabricated using a simple and cost-effective technique by incorporating different Wt.% of nanofibers and characterized by FTIR, SEM and XRD. The mechanical properties like Young’s Modulus, Tensile strength, Impact strength and Hardness were investigated alongwith corrosion and swelling resistivity. Antibacterial studies were performed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Findings According to FTIR findings, the PVA/chitosan nanofibers were successfully spun and BisGMA based nanocomposites were fabricated properly. XRD pattern showed successful nanofiber spinning alongwith proper incorporation of PVA/CS nanofillers into BisGMA matrix. The SEM of nanofibers and nanocomposites showed smooth morphology. The results of detailed investigation suggested optimum improvement in mechanical, thermochemical, antibacterial and anticorrosive properties of nanocomposites up to 40 Wt.% PVA/CS nanofiber loading beyond which the properties deteriorated due to particle agglomeration and phase separation. Thus, with optimum nanofiber loading, the above designed nanocomposites have great potential to provide structural benefits integrated with antimicrobial properties. Research limitations/implications The partially biodegradable PVA/CS/BisGMA nanocomposites with optimum nanofiller/compatibilizer content can be used as smart hybrid structural materials in medical field to reduce healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). This work also highlights the efficacious use of a seafood waste like chitosan as a nanofiller and compatibilizer between poly (vinyl alcohol) and BisGMA. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the above nanocomposites have never been designed before.