Enhanced mechanical and antibacterial properties of nanocomposites based on poly(Vinyl alcohol) and biopolymer‐derived reduced graphene oxide

Abstract

Functionalized graphene–polymer nanocomposites have gained significant attention for their enhanced mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties, but the requirement of multi‐step processes or hazardous reducing agents to functionalize graphene limits their current applications. Here, we present a single‐step synthesis of thermally reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) based on shellac, which is a low‐cost biopolymer that can be employed to produce poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/TrGO nanocomposites (PVA–TrGO). The concentration of TrGO varied from 0.1 to 2.0 wt.%, and the critical concentration of homogeneous TrGO dispersion was observed to be 1.5 wt.%, below which strong interfacial molecular interactions between the TrGO and the PVA matrix resulted in improved thermal and mechanical properties. At 1.5 wt.% filler loading, the tensile strength and modulus of the PVA–TrGO nanocomposite were increased by 98.7% and 97.4%, respectively, while the storage modulus was increased by 69%. Furthermore, the nanocomposite was 96% more effective in preventing bacterial colonization relative to the neat PVA matrix. The present findings indicate that TrGO can be considered a promising material for potential applications in biomedical devices.