Performance of Nanocomposite Polysulfone-Polyaniline Substrates for Enhanced Thin Film Membranes

Abstract
In this research study, the investigations of how nano-zinc oxide (N-ZnO) could change the functional and antimicrobial features of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) films, were established. As a result, three forms of CAP films comprising of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% N-ZnO have been assembled. Following that, the physicochemical and barrier properties were assessed. Further, the anti-bacterial activities of prepared nanocomposite films towards Escherichia coli have been investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR). The obtained results demonstrated that 2.0% N-ZnO had the greatest impact on physicochemical and barrier properties. The FT-IR spectra revealed that all N-ZnO concentration interactions were physical, with no chemical reactions between the nanoparticles and CAP framework.
The incorporation of N-ZnO improved the humidity level, water absorption and uptake capability of CA films which are essential factors in packaging manufacturing. The anti-bacterial effect of 2.0% N-ZnO formulation exhibited a stronger anti-bacterial impact compared to the remaining formulations. Subsequently, N-ZnO improved the overall properties of CAP films and the most satisfactory concentration for utilizing N-ZnO in CAP-based nanocomposite films was 2% N-ZnO