Functionalization and Modification of Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer by AgCl Nanoparticles under Ultrasound Irradiation as Bactericidal

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate polymer (PET) is widely used in diverse areas. In the current study, the surface of PET is modified in two steps in order to improve the quality. At first, the polymer was functionalized with carboxylic groups, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies were used to verify functionalization. Then, AgCl nanoparticles were synthesized on COOH functional groups on the surface of PET using a sonochemistry method by sequential dipping of the functionalized polymer in an alternating bath of potassium chloride and silver nitrate under ultrasonic irradiation. The effects of ultrasonic irradiation power, the number of dipping steps, and pH on the growth of AgCl nanoparticles as effective parameters on size and density of synthesized Ag nanoparticles were studied. The results of scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the size and density of AgCl nanoparticles under ultrasonic irradiation with a power of 100 W are better than those of AgCl nanoparticles under irradiation with a power of 30 W. Also, by 15 times dipping the polymer into the reagent solutions in pH = 9, the modified polymer with a greater number of nanoparticles with suitable size can be reached. Antibacterial properties of PET containing AgCl nanoparticles were investigated against six Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria species, and the results showed significant antibacterial activity, while functionalized PET did not have a significant effect on both types of bacteria.

Efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic removal of Acid Blue 92, E. coli, and S. aureus over Ag-AgCl nanoparticles-decorated bismuth sulfide microparticles

“…Silver species as co-catalyst are shown to eminently increase the capacity of visible light absorption and improve the photocatalytic performance of several systems [26][27][28]. AgCl has suitable potential for use in various purposes, including photography, pharmaceuticals, and electronic sectors, due to its favorable antibacterial, catalytic, and optical characteristics [29]. AgCl is a light-sensitive material with a wide indirect band gap (about 3.25 eV) that is convertible to the visible-light-responsive Ag/AgCl composite upon light absorption [30].…”

Degradable Green Polymers, Green Nanopolymers and Green Nanocomposites Derived from Natural Systems: Statistics and Headways

“…Degradable polymer or green polymer is the material which may experience backbone cleavage [1]. Degradation of naturally derived polymers may occur by main chain cleavage through microorganisms and aerobic/anaerobic routes [2]. The most appropriate mechanism for the degradation of these polymers is the hydrolytic decomposition of backbone [3].…”

Degradable Green Polymers, Green Nanopolymers and Green Nanocomposites Derived from Natural Systems: Statistics and Headways

“…Degradable polymer or green polymer is the material which may experience backbone cleavage [1]. Degradation of naturally derived polymers may occur by main chain cleavage through microorganisms and aerobic/anaerobic routes [2]. The most appropriate mechanism for the degradation of these polymers is the hydrolytic decomposition of backbone [3].…”