The Preparation of Polymer/Silver Nanocomposites and Application as an Antibacterial Material

Abstract

An elegant and facile route for the preparation of polymer/silver nanocomposites for polymers having solubility in organic solvents has been developed. Aqueous colloidal solution of nano-silver has been used as the source of nano-silver particles. Nano-silver particles were transferred to the poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) solution in chloroform using phase transfer methodology. Separation of the aqueous phase gave solution of nano-silver/PMA in chloroform. The solution was coated onto glass substrate providing uniform film of antibacterial PMA/silver nanocomposite, thus exhibiting its potential application as a coating material. The same methodology has been successfully extended to prepare polyether sulphone/silver nanocomposites.