Enhanced mechanical properties and bactericidal activity of polypropylene nanocomposite with dual‐function silica–silver core‐shell nanoparticles

Abstract

Dual-function silica-silver core-shell (SiO 2 @Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) with the core diameter of 17 6 2 nm and the shell thickness of about 1.5 nm were produced using a green chemistry. The SiO 2 @Ag NPs were tested in vitro against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli), both of which are human pathogens. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of the SiO 2 @Ag NPs based on Ag content are 4 and 10 lg mL À1 against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. These values are similar to those of Ag NPs. SiO 2 @Ag NPs were for the first time incorporated to a commodity polypropylene (PP) polymer. This yielded an advanced multifunctional polymer using current compounding technologies i.e., melt blending by twin-screw extruder and solvent (toluene) blending. The composite containing 5 wt % SiO 2 @Ag NPs (0.05 wt % Ag) exhibited efficient bactericidal activity with over 99.99% reduction in bacterial cell viability and significantly improved the flexural modulus of the PP. Anodic stripping voltammetry, used to investigate the antibacterial mechanism of the composite, indicated that a bactericidal Ag þ agent was released from the composite in an aqueous environment.

Preparation of nonleaching antimicrobial polypropylene wax and its application in polypropylene

“…To obtain antimicrobial functions, blending is a simple method. Many antimicrobial compounds, such as copper nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, nano‐ZnO, and silver‐doped glass, were blended into PP to prepare antimicrobial PP. However, the low antimicrobial efficiency and leaching of antimicrobial components along with the poor durability of antimicrobial properties limit their applications.…”

Development of a nanocomposite of polypropylene with biocide action from silver nanoparticles

“…Classic organic biocides have limited applications because of their low heat resistance, high decomposition rate, short life, and high toxicity. One feasible alternative is the incorporation of inorganic biocides into polymer composites …”

“…One feasible alternative is the incorporation of inorganic biocides into polymer composites. [11][12][13][14][15] The antibacterial ability of AgNPs in suspension is explained by two mechanisms. The first one considers the adhesion of the nanoparticles to the bacterial surface; this results in cell wall damage and, in some cases, the penetration of nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm through the cell wall.…”

Preparation of grafted cationic polymer/silver chloride modified cellulose fibers and their antibacterial properties

“…Recently, considerable research effort has been focused on rendering materials with antibacterial properties to prevent infection from pathogenic microorganisms . Microbial infestation has been implicated in a variety of detrimental outcomes, including the rejection of medical implants, food spoilage, biofouling of materials, water contamination, and spread of foodborne diseases . Because of the potentially daunting complexity of the microbial population and microbial antibiotic resistance, alternative strategies that can completely inhibit bacterial infection are desirable .…”