An Investigation into the Influence of Filler Piper nigrum Leaves Extract on Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Blend Films

摘要

The influence of Piper nigrum (P. nigrum) leaves extract on structural and physicochemical properties of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) (CH/PVA) blend films were studied. The hypothesis of the study was confirmed by using UTM, SEM, AFM, TGA, DSC, XRD, and FTIR studies. Interestingly, increased mechanical properties were observed with inclusion of P. nigrum leaves extract to the CH/PVA blendfilms. SEM micrographs revealed that there is a smooth homogeneous phase morphology with better compatibility. The results of X-ray diffraction study confirmed that influence of crystallinity on mechanical properties of the blend films. Further, the results of TGA witnessed that addition of P. nigrum leaves extract did not influence much on thermal stability of the CH/PVA blend films. The presence of a single glass transition temperature (T-g) indicated that complete miscibility among the blend components. The result of FTIR study confirmed the presence of a significant interaction among the chitosan, PVA and P. nigrum leaves extract. The water contact angle measurement and the antimicrobial study revealed that CH/PVA/P. nigrum leaves extract blend films showed decreased hydrophobicity and enhanced antimicrobial activity. Hence, this partly stimulated research data obtained from the study might be an advantage for new packaging material preparations in the future.