Encapsulation of Silver Nanoparticles in a Polystyrene Matrix by Miniemulsion Polymerization and Its Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Surface-modified silver nanoparticles (NAg) were encapsulated into a polystyrene (PS) matrix by in situ miniemulsion polymerization. Silver nanoparticles were modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) that acts as a coupling agent and costabilizer in the polymerization reaction. The PS-Nag nanocomposites synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization were made at two different concentrations of the initiator (0.7 and 2.5 g/L in H 2 O); at higher concentration of the initiator the conversion and efficiency of encapsulation increases, and the average particle size decreases. The PS-NAg composites showed excellent antimicrobial performance toward bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus .