Synthesis, aging and antimicrobial tests of (di)acrylate composites

Abstract

The synthesis and characteristics of composites based on bisphenol A diacrylate with the addition of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, or methyl methacrylate were carried out. Benzethonium chloride and zinc oxide were used as special additives in amounts of 1, 2, and 5 % by weight of monomers. These are compounds that exhibit antimicrobial properties. The composites were produced by the UV polymerization method with the addition of Irgacure 651 as a photoinitiator. Aging and swelling tests were carried out in water, solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, and acetone. To confirm the changes in the structure of the composites, ATR/FT-IR spectra were performed before and after the degradation process. The hardness of the composites was also tested. The antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans were checked. The conducted study also showed the significant changes in the Cerrena unicolor fungus secretome caused by the presence of the composites.