NiO nanoparticle doped-PVA/MF polymer nanocomposites: Preparation, Congo red dye adsorption and antibacterial activity

The standard of living has been improved by industrial “revolution” and the demand of new production increases due to population explosion. In the race of industrialization humans are busy discharging harmful gases in atmosphere, dumping unhealthy wastes in soil and discharging of toxic sewage in natural water resources. The present work reports the synthesis of polymer nanocomposite of blend encapsulated with NiO nanoparticles (K1-K5). The polymer nanocomposite films (K1-K5) were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM. The electrostatic interaction between the polymer matrix and encapsulated NiO nanoparticles increases the chemical stability in this order water > NaOH > HCl solution confirmed by contact angle (55° to 99°). The Congo red (CR) dye adsorption values increases in polymer nanocomposite films (K1-K5) were analyzed by an effect by an effect of contact time 45% to 68%, by an effect of CR dye concentration 48% to 70%. But the CR dye adsorption by S3 composite and nanocomposite films (K1-K5) are inversely proportional to the pH scale 4–10. Among four different bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis 25 mm and Staphylococcus aureus 25 mm has shown best antibacterial activity. The result confirms enhancement of antibacterial activity of S3 blend after the doping of NiO nanoparticles. The present results may be a roadmap to develop some transparent and flexible polymer nanocomposite films for water treatment in textile industries and efficient antibacterial activity.