Multifunctional PVC / PVA ‐ ZnO Nanocomposites: Bridging Dielectric Response and Antibacterial Activity for Active Packaging Applications

ABSTRACT This study reports the development and characterization of flexible polymer nanocomposites tailored for active packaging applications. First, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) matrix blends with varying proportions of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) (10, 20, 25, 30, and 50 wt%) were prepared via solution casting. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were used to investigate molecular interactions, structural features, and interfacial relaxation dynamics (Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars/MWS effect). Among the tested compositions, the 75% PVC_25% PVA blend exhibited optimal dielectric and electrical properties. Consequently, this specific formulation was selected as the matrix to synthesize a multifunctional nanocomposite loaded with 10 wt% hydrothermally synthesized Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). The resulting nanocomposite (75% PVC_25% PVA_10% ZnO) was evaluated for its AC conductivity and antibacterial efficiency against S. aureus , E. coli , P. aeruginosa , and S. enterica , demonstrating high potential as an active antimicrobial material for food packaging.