Long-Term Stability of Two Thermoplastic Polymers Modified with Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of polymeric composites prepared via extrusion and injection moulding. Four stable thermoplastic polymers were used as composites matrices (two kinds of polymethyl methacrylate and two kinds of co-polymer acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). Silver nanoparticles AgNPs were used as a modifying phase. Mechanical properties of testes materials were determined during the uniaxial stretching. Surface properties such as roughness and contact angle were also evaluated. The materials’ stability was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and non-destructive ultrasonic testing. All measurements were carried out at time intervals, determining both the initial parameters and after 6 and 12 months of incubation in deionized water. The obtained results proved that neither the preparation technology nor the amount of the modifier adversely affect the mechanical properties of the tested composites. The incorporated modifier does not change the surface properties significantly. The studies conducted after the materials’ incubation in water indicate their stability.

Thermoplastic Polymers with Nanosilver Addition—Microstructural, Surface and Mechanical Evaluation during a 36-Month Deionized Water Incubation Period

“…Long-term incubation of materials in deionized water significantly influenced their mechanical properties. Similar behavior was observed in our previous studies [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. The Young’s modulus and tensile strength values increased along with the incubation time.…”

Production of Environmentally Friendly Polyester by Hydrogenation of Poly(butylene terephthalate) over Rh–Pt Catalysts Supported on Carbon Black and Recovery by a Compressed CO2 Antisolvent Technique

“…The surface roughness can dramatically affect the adhesion properties of polymeric materials . A lower surface roughness reduces the adhesion capacity of polymers and, in turn, helps to reduce bacterial adhesion on the surface of polymeric materials as well as their adhesion to other polymer surfaces . In recent years, polymers with lower adhesion have received great attention in the development of the “smart” materials, especially in biological and biomedical engineering .…”

“…58 A lower surface roughness reduces the adhesion capacity of polymers and, in turn, helps to reduce bacterial adhesion on the surface of polymeric materials as well as their adhesion to other polymer surfaces. 59 In recent years, polymers with lower adhesion have received great attention in the development of the "smart" materials, especially in biological and biomedical engineering. 60 The conversion of aromatic rings in PBT to cyclohexane in PBC was expected to reduce the surface roughness in PBC and, therefore, lower its adhesive capacity.…”

An Updated Review on Silver Nanoparticles in Biomedicine

“…Poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) copolymers modified with AgNPs were proposed as suitable candidates for the fabrication of middle ear implants. The composites exhibited pronounced hydrophilicity and long-term mechanical stability while determined no cytotoxic effects and promoted cellular proliferation in both osteoblast and fibroblast cultures [ 334 , 335 ].…”