Development of PBAT films reinforced with SiC/g-C3N4 nanohybrids for enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial performance

In this study, silicon carbide (SiC)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) nanohybrids were successfully synthesized and incorporated into poly(butylene adipate- co -terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposite films using the solvent casting method at different loadings (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt%). The structural and morphological characteristics of the nanocomposite films were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images confirmed the uniform dispersion of SiC/g-C 3 N 4 within the PBAT matrix. The incorporation of 5 wt% SiC/g-C 3 N 4 significantly improved the material properties, yielding a maximum tensile strength of 26.1 MPa (vs. neat PBAT: ~18.4 MPa) and a water contact angle of 94.5° (vs. neat PBAT: ~72.6°), indicating enhanced mechanical strength and hydrophobicity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. sureus ) using the agar well diffusion method. The 5 wt% nanocomposite film exhibited the largest inhibition zones, measuring 15.2 and 13.6 mm against E. coli and S. aureus , respectively, whereas neat PBAT showed no antibacterial activity. These findings demonstrate that incorporating SiC/g-C 3 N 4 enhances both the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of PBAT, highlighting its potential for food packaging applications.