Rigid antimicrobial polymeric composite with PVC matrix and ZnO and TiO2 functionalized nanoparticles

In this paper, rigid antimicrobial polymeric nanocomposites were developed - polymeric material based on chemically functionalized nanoparticles with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) – dispersed in a plastomer matrix. By dispersing them in plastomer matrix (polyvinyl chloride - PVC), hybrid TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles (50:50) (fillers) functionalized for good compatibility have led to the development of an advanced polymeric material with antibacterial, multifunctional and processing properties specific to plastics. Experimental polymeric materials are adapted to biomedical and food applications, therefore, they were tested for stability and long-term antimicrobial activity. The combined effects of functionalised nanoparticles and polymer on the structure and properties of new experimental materials were studied. Experimental nanocomposites were morpho-structurally, microbiologically and physico-mechanically characterized.