Synthesis of polyacrylamide/graphene oxide/clove essential oil composite via physical adsorption method for potential antibacterial packaging applications

In this study, we have developed a new composite material consisting of polyacrylamide (PAM) and graphene oxide (GO), enhanced by clove essential oil (CEO). Firstly, we synthesized the PAM/GO composite via a physical adsorption method and then uniformly distributed the CEO into the PAM/GO composite via an ultrasonication process. We then characterized the resulting nanocomposite by XRD, UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopy in order to confirm the uniform distribution of CEO on the PAM/GO composite. The results demonstrate that PAM/GO can support and stabilize the CEO molecules. Moreover, we compared the antibacterial activity of PAM/GO/CEO with other samples, i.e. PAM, GO and the PAM/GO composite. The results showed that the composite containing CEO had the highest antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, with clear zones of 12 and 14 mm, respectively. The mechanism of this antibacterial activity can be attributed to the properties of GO and CEO. • We have developed a new composite material consisting of polyacrylamide (PAM), graphene oxide (GO) and clove oil (CEO). • The resulted composite is confirmed by UV–V is spectroscopy data and SEM images. • The antibacterial performance of the resultant composites is discussed in detail. • The probable of antibacterial mechanism of the resultant composites with specific bacteria are also discussed.