Nano-biocomposite films with modified cellulose nanocrystals and synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Ternary nano-biocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with modified cellulose nanocrystals(s-CNC) and synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag) have been prepared and characterized. The functional-ization of the CNC surface with an acid phosphate ester of ethoxylated nonylphenol favoured its dispersionin the PLA matrix. The positive effects of the addition of cellulose and silver on the PLA barrier proper-ties were confirmed by reductions in the water permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR)of the films tested. The migration level of all nano-biocomposites in contact with food simulants werebelow the permitted limits in both non-polar and polar simulants. PLA nano-biocomposites showed asignificant antibacterial activity influenced by the Ag content, while composting tests showed that thematerials were visibly disintegrated after 15 days with the ternary systems showing the highest rate ofdisintegration under composting conditions.