Ag-composites with antimicrobial properties

Polymer composites with antimicrobial properties were prepared by mixing plasticised poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pellets with silver nanoparticles and silver zeolite in the amount of 8 wt% and 10 wt%, respectively. Thermal and mechanical properties of PVC composites were obtained by tensile and calorimetric (TGA and DSC) measurements. Rheological characterization was also performed by a parallel plates rheometer. The results indicate that the thermal and mechanical properties of PVC composites were not affected by the presence of both silver additives, with respect to the pure plasticised PVC. The antibacterial activity of PVC composites was examined on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis in Trypticase Soy Broth and in Trypticase Soy Agar for the direct inhibition. PVC composite with Ag-zeolite exhibited antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis and E coli in culture broth and direct inhibition in agar plate (inhibition zone: 2-4 mm), for more than 7 days. PVC composites containing silver nanoparticles showed very low antimicrobial activity.