Antimicrobial polymeric composites in consumer goods and healthcare sector: A healthier way to prevent infection

Abstract

AbstractPolymeric goods have been instrumental due to its versatility, properties like hygienic, lightweight, flexible, and highly durable and hence it accounts for the largest usage of applications worldwide in sectors like electrical, electronic, packaging, automotive, energy generation, furniture, marine, aerospace, military, consumer goods, construction, medical and healthcare, and so forth. However, as the demand for consumer goods continues to grow—from smartphones, smart watches to automobiles, home appliances, food packaging, pharmacy, and so forth; disease transmission (especially during the outbreak of epidemic/pandemic) via tangibility has emerged as a major hurdle to cater the out breaking microbial transmission through touch. The surfaces of these goods/products are required to suffice antimicrobial properties to prevent such contagious surface transmission. Considering the current challenges and need for antimicrobial polymer, a review is presented to collectively enlist the theoretical fundamental; commercial, R&D activities, economic performance, and challenges on large‐scale practice of antimicrobial polymeric products. The review also enumerates the potential antimicrobial nanofillers used for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites with biostatic and biocidal properties along with expected property enhancement.