Regulation and Characterization of Polar Groups on the Surfaces of Cellulose Nanocrystal–Nanosilver Hybrids

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with a high content of polar groups were prepared via the oxidation process by controlling the amount of mixed acid, incorporating additional additive of citric acid and vitamin C as active agents, and applying ultrasonic crosslinking. Subsequently, cellulose nanocrystal–silver (CNC–Ag) nanohybrid materials were synthesized via an oxidation hydrolysis reaction, which displayed good dispersibility and high interaction, leading to the hydrogen bonding between polar groups (-OH and -COOH) on the surface of CAC–Ag nanohybrids. The positive effects of hydrogen bonding on the surface of CAC–Ag nanohybrids were confirmed by the high carboxyl group content (2.69 mmol/g) and low contact angle (53.7°) tested. In addition, CAC–Ag nanohybrids showed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus. These results showed that the high-performance CNC–Ag nanohybrids prepared in this study may be highly suitable as nano-fillers for polyester materials used in antibacterial food packaging.