Nanocomposites foams of polypropilene modified by ionizing radiation containing CaCo3/ag nanoparticles of bio-calcium carbonate-study of bactericidal effect

Author(s): Ademar B Lugao

This paper presents a study of high melting strengh polypropylene (HMSPP) foams by gamma irradiation with insertion of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) adsorbed in carrier of CaCO3 (natural source) aiming bactericidal effect. The use of silver (Ag) gives important antibacterial property since silver is highly toxic against bacterae. The HMSPP matrix was processed in a twin screw extruder under CO2 atmosphere and polypropylene nanocomposites (HMSPPAgNC) were obtained in different concentrations of silver. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), cytotoxicity assay and reduction colony-forming-unit (CFU). The analyzed foams showed spherical clusters and homogeneous regions with good distribution of the silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the HMSPP@AgNCs foams exhibited a antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S
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