Abstract

AbstractThe effect of Cu nanoparticle (NP) content (0.3–3.0 wt%) on antibacterial, thermal, and rheological properties of PVC composites prepared by melt blending method was investigated. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), capillary rheology, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). A homogeneous distribution of copper on the composite surface was observed by SEM‐EDX. TEM images of Cu NPs/PVC composite films showed well‐dispersed and distributed Cu NPs and microparticles in the PVC matrix, but the size of particles increased with increasing copper content. The shear thinning and power law behavior was observed for all samples. At low shear rates (100 s−1) apparent viscosity of composites with copper loading lower than 1.2 wt% exhibited a “ball bearing” effect. The Cu particles enhanced the thermal stability of Cu NPs/PVC composites compared with neat PVC. The release of copper ions from Cu NPs/PVC composite films into the aqueous medium was negligible after 6 h of immersion. Polymer films with Cu NP amount higher than 0.6 wt% showed a similar kinetics of bacterial growth; therefore, a substantial improvement of antimicrobial activity was not observed with increasing Cu NP content.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.