In this paper, ZnO-decorated graphene (ZnO-graphene)
was added
to poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)
and maleic anhydride-grafted poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT-g-MAH) to prepare antibacterial
nanocomposites through melt blending. The effect of different amounts
of ZnO-graphene on the properties of the nanocomposite materials was
discussed. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis
showed that PBAT-g-MAH could form coordination reaction
and hydrogen bond with ZnO-graphene, and this synergistically enhanced
the tensile properties of the nanocomposites. With the introduction
of functional groups, the mechanical properties of PBAT-g-MAH/ZnO-graphene nanocomposites were significantly improved. Compared
with pure PBAT, the nanocomposites showed that the maximum tensile
strength, yield strength, and elongation at break increased by 20.58,
17.04, and 7.51%, respectively. This work revealed for the first time
through X-ray diffraction tests the probable mechanism of dispersion
or compatibility in the nanocomposites. Water absorption properties
and water contact angle data proved that the introduction of MAH,
along with the optimal amount of nanofillers, could greatly improve
the tightness of internal and surface structures of the nanocomposites.
Relative to PBAT, the use of PBAT-g-MAH/ZnO-graphene
containing 0.6% nanofillers significantly improved the water vapor
and oxygen barrier efficiencies by 152.8 and 273.5%, respectively.
It was shown from the results of antibacterial evaluation that ZnO-graphene
could impart PBAT and PBAT-g-MAH with excellent antibacterial
activity. Compared with pure PBAT, the nanocomposite films had better
mechanical and barrier properties. Both PBAT and PBAT-g-MAH nanocomposites could decompose naturally in soil, indicating
that they were environmentally friendly and would have great application
prospect in the fields of packaging and medical industries.