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.