Processing and properties of antibacterial silver nanoparticle-loaded hemp hurd/poly(lactic acid) biocomposites

The use of silver nanoparticles in providing effective antibacterial resistance in glycidyl methacrylate-compatibilized hemp hurd-filled poly(lactic acid) biocomposite is presented. The thermal and mechanical properties, and antibacterial resistance against gram negative E. Coli was investigated, and characterized using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The inclusion of glycidyl methacrylate assisted in elastic moduli and strength increases at 10-30 wt % fraction of silver nanoparticle-loaded hemp hurd in poly(lactic acid), with 20 wt % hemp hurd-filled biocomposite exhibiting the highest range of properties within the biocomposites investigated. The inherent antibacterial property of hemp hurd was further enhanced using silver nanoparticle loading to achieve a safe level of heavy metal migration at 0.20-3.08 mg/kg. Effective antibacterial activity was achieved with distinct decreases of 85% and 89% in bacterial growth at 0.025 wt % and 0.05 wt % loading of silver nanoparticle in the biocomposite. Overall, the properties of these novel biocomposites demonstrated discernible potential in further development of food packaging applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.