Synthesis, Characterization and Testing of Antimicrobial Activity of Composites of Unsaturated Polyester Resins with Wood Flour and Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

This paper presents the properties of the wood-resin composites. For improving their antibacterial character, silver nanoparticles were incorporated into their structures. The properties of the obtained materials were analyzed in vitro for their anti-biofilm potency in contact with aerobic Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis; and aerobic Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens are responsible for various infections, including those associated with healthcare. The effect of silver nanoparticles incorporation on mechanical and thermomechanical properties as well as gloss were investigated for the samples of composites before and after accelerating aging tests. The results show that bacteria can colonize in various wrinkles and cracks on the composites with wood flour but also the surface of the cross-linked unsaturated polyester resin. The addition of nanosilver causes the death of bacteria. It also positively influences mechanical and thermomechanical properties as well as gloss of the resin.

Effect of Eco-Friendly Peanut Shell Powder on the Chemical Resistance, Physical, Thermal, and Thermomechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Resin Composites

“…In our previous papers, the properties of the composites based on wood flour and unsaturated polyester resin were studied [19,20]. Unsaturated polyester resins are the most widely used thermoset matrices in polymeric composites.…”

Investigation of Degradation of Composites Based on Unsaturated Polyester Resin and Vinyl Ester Resin

“…The prepared mixtures were mixed well until homogeneous and then poured into the cuboid-shaped molds. They cured at room temperature for 24 h and then at 80 • C for 10 h for post curing [48].…”

Special Issue: “Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Blends from Renewable Sources”

“…This issue includes five articles on polyurethanes blended with various types of additives [1][2][3][4][5], of which two papers discusses the polyurethane systems partly prepared from naturally-derived components, such as lignin [5] or naturally-derived polyols [4]. Four papers discuss the preparation of synthetic unsaturated polyester resins reinforced with natural fillers [6][7][8][9], and two other papers are focused on the modification of polyolefins (PE,PP) to improve their strength properties [10,11]. One work is concerned with the preparation of biochar and bio-oil from biomass, where the potential uses of both types of products are discussed [12]; the other paper considers the modification of cotton linter for use as efficient adsorbent for the phosphate.…”

“…In the paper of Pączkowski, Puszka, Miazga-Karska, Ginalska, and Gawdzik ("Synthesis, Characterization and Testing of Antimicrobial Activity of Composites of Unsaturated Polyester Resins with Wood Flour and Silver Nanoparticles" [6]) the properties of the wood-resin composites were studied. For composites with wood flour, deterioration of mechanical properties was observed.…”