Mussel‐inspired synthesis of silver nanoparticles as fillers for preparing waterborne polyurethane/Ag nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and antibacterial properties. Issue 1 (12th October 2021) - Li, Hui
Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by a facile, mild and green method using dopamine as a reducing and stabilizing agent and were introduced to waterborne polyurethane (WPU) via an in situ emulsification method to prepare antibacterial nanocomposite films. The formation of AgNPs was characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy and XRD. The dispersion of AgNPs was confirmed by TEM and the thermal stability of WPU/Ag nanocomposites was confirmed by TGA. The results showed that AgNPs were uniformly dispersed in the WPU matrix. The introduction of AgNPs significantly improved the thermal stability of WPU films. With incorporation of 0.1 wt% AgNPs, a five‐fold increase in the tensile strength was achieved without sacrificing the ultimate strain. The WPU/Ag nanocomposite films showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry. Abstract : Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified by dopamine were introduced to waterborne polyurethane via an in situ emulsification method. The incorporation of AgNPs resulted in improvement in mechanical properties and showed antibacterial activity.