Antibacterial Compound based on Silicone Rubber and ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles for the Food and Pharmaceutic Industries. Part II - Biological and Morphological Characterization

The aim of this paper is the biological and morphological characterization of an antibacterial compound based on silicone rubber (Elastosil R701/70-OH), reinforced with ZnO and TiO2 nanopowders (with antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties), charged (chalk), crosslinked with peroxide (dicumyl peroxide - powder 40% with calcium carbonate and silica, specific to the food, pharmaceutical, but also medical field). ZnO and TiO2 nanopowders, by their homogeneous dispersion in the mass of the compound, have a determined role on its antibacterial and antimicrobial sterilization properties. The mixture of antibacterial compound based on silicone rubber was made on a laboratory roller, provided with cooling, in the form of a sheet (maximum thickness 5 mm), in strict compliance with the technological recipe and the established mode of operation. Subsequently, the mixture is processed into forming molds at predetermined parameters by determining the vulcanization time using the Monsanto rheometer (to determine the optimum temperature and vulcanization times), but also the biological and morphological characterization, according to current standards in specific food and pharmaceutical environments.