Development of bio-based PVA/PEG nanocomposite films incorporating nanoencapsulated rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil for industrial non-food applications

The development of sustainable polymeric materials with enhanced barrier and antioxidant performance is essential for industrial non-food applications requiring protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidative degradation. In this study, bio-based nanocomposite films were fabricated using a poly (vinyl alcohol)/poly (ethylene glycol) (PVA/PEG) matrix incorporated with nano-encapsulated rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil particles (REO-NEPs) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10% (w/w). The films were prepared via a. solution-casting method and systematically characterized in terms of structural, physicochemical, optical, mechanical, and antioxidant properties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix at low loading levels (≤5%), while partial aggregation occurred at higher concentrations (≥7.5%). The incorporation of REO-NEPs significantly enhanced UV-blocking ability and antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical scavenging capacity reaching 78.3%. In addition, water vapor permeability decreased by up to 42%, indicating improved barrier performance. However, increasing nanoparticle content led to a gradual reduction in film transparency due to enhanced light scattering and absorption. Overall, the developed PVA/PEG--REO-NEPs nanocomposite films demonstrate considerable potential as environmentally sustainable materials for industrial applications, particularly in protective coatings and non-food packaging systems requiring resistance to UV exposure and oxidative deterioration.