International Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

International Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Enhancement of Physicochemical, Thermal and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan/PVA Films by Eggshell-Derived CaO Nanoparticles

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Maria Linsha P.L 1
Mariyam Thomas 2
Jaya T. Varkey 1
1 Department of Chemistry, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam
2 Department of Physics, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam
10.22034/ijnn.2026.2067682.2688
Abstract
Calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles were prepared using domestic eggshell waste through thermal calcination and added to chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) composite films to improve their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. CS, CS/PVA, and CS/PVA/CaO formulations were synthesized and evaluated using viscosity measurements, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. FTIR and XRD indicated the presence of crystalline CaO with traces of residual carbonate, while SEM analysis indicated dramatic morphological improvements, especially enhanced porosity and surface roughness upon CaO addition. Viscosity determinations indicated concentration-dependent growth, with CS/PVA and CS/PVA/CaO solutions having lower viscosities than neat chitosan, suggesting enhanced chain mobility and processability. TGA analysis proved enhanced thermal stability in the CS/PVA/CaO films against CS and CS/PVA films, proving the reinforcing effect of CaO nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. Antibacterial analysis proved that the CS/PVA sample had the largest inhibition zone compared to CS and CS/PVA/CaO, indicating a synergistic effect between CS and PVA, while the introduction of CaO reduced antibacterial activity slightly, likely because of nanoparticle aggregation. In all, this paper points to a green process to transform biowaste into functional nanomaterials and secures a structure–property–function relationship in CS-based antimicrobial films, opening doors to the possibility of their application in biomedical, environmental and packaging fields.
Keywords
CaO Nanoparticles
CS/PVA/CaO Blend
Physio Chemical Enhancement
Anti-Bacterial Analysis
Subjects
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International Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Volume 21, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 157-167