Antimicrobial Activity and Flame Retardancy of Polyvinyl Chloride Composite Containing Inorganic Bacteriocide and Aluminum Trihydroxide

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop new materials with antimicrobial effect and flame-retardant properties. PVC/IB/ATH, a PVC composite material containing inorganic bacteriocide (IB) with silver and zinc in the zeolite pores, and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), an environmentally friendly inorganic flame-retardant, was prepared. The antimicrobial effect of PVC/IB/ATH composite material was confirmed to be 99% as a result of turbidity analysis, shaking culture, drop-test, and double staining test using two kinds of bacteria. The flame-retardant properties of PVC/IB/ATH composites were investigated by limiting oxygen concentration index and thermogravimetric analysis, and they were increased depending on the aluminum content of ATH and IB agent. Also, the thermal properties of PVC/IB/ATH composites were slightly increased. In conclusion, the application of PVC/IB/ATH is expected in various fields such as medical industry, antibacterial system and flame-retardant materials.