Antibacterial nanocompound based on silicone rubber. Part II – biological characterisation

The aim of this work is to characterize an antibacterial polymeric nanocompound based on silicone elastomer (silicone rubber), reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles, crosslinked with dicumyl peroxide (PD). The antibacterial polymer nanocompound was obtained by vulcanization on a laboratory roll (vulcanization is a main step, with a major impact on the final properties of the products), in the form of a 3-5 mm sheet, in order to be biologically characterized, as well as physico-mechanically and morpho-structurally characterized, according to the standards in force, in specific environments for the food and pharmaceutical fields. Vulcanized silicone elastomers have uses in the food, medical, pharmaceutical industries, etc., because they do not contain substances that are not toxicologically admitted. The dispersion of TiO2 nanopowders (with antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties) in the nanocompound mass has a decisive role in influencing its antimicrobial and antibacterial sterilization properties. The polymeric nanocompound based on silicone rubber contributes to improving the quality of the products, but also to environmental protection and, of course, protection of human health.