Silver Nanoparticles Modification of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Non-Aqueous Medium

Abstract

A series of experiments for obtaining modified with silver nanoparticles ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is done. Optimal precursors are silver trifluoroacetate, silver nitrate and silver methanesulfonate. Three variants of UHMWPE modification is studied: 1) the polyol synthesis, 2) polymer processing silver nanoparticle colloid and 3) reduction of silver salt solution in the UHMWPE polymer matrix. It is found that the last method is optimal. The specific surface of obtained nanoparticles is 7.1-7.6 m 2 /g and the size varies in the range of 60-110 nm. The antibacterial activity of the composite samples to E. Coli and S. Aureus is studied. Inhibition of bacterial growth occurs at the level 10 4 cfu/ml and 10 6 cfu/ml respectively.