Poly(vinyl alcohol): Montmorillonite: Boiled rice water (starch) blend film reinforced with silver nanoparticles; characterization and antibacterial properties

Abstract Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is an excellent film forming polymer used for packaging applications, but it has weak barrier and mechanical properties. Hence improvement in material properties of PVA is expected to enhance its suitability as an ideal food packaging material. For the first time, this study reports the use of boiled rice starch as a blending agent to modify the physicochemical properties of PVA. The aim of the work was to develop montmorillonite (Mt)/PVA/boiled rice starch blend material reinforced with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for food packaging application. Highly cost effective method was used for the generation of AgNPs from AgNO3 by using rice starch as a reducing agent. The rapid in situ generation of AgNPs within the polymer matrix, under the influence of direct sunlight, as conducted in this study is a novel approach. The nanocomposite films prepared by solvent casting method were characterized by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and UV–vis spectroscopy analysis. Mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of the nanocomposite films further showed its excellent properties when compared to the neat PVA film. The nanocomposite also showed promising antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. Hence the results suggest the nanocomposite blend developed in the study to be an ideal material for food packaging application.