Today, the use of silver in surfaces for public environments
is
very frequent, as it ensures high antimicrobial activities, avoiding
the continuous disinfection of the surfaces themselves. Similarly,
thanks to its interesting combination of technological properties,
anodized aluminum is widely employed in the production of components
for applications in public spaces. Therefore, this work describes
a simple method of the codeposition of silver and anodized aluminum
to combine the remarkable properties of Al
2
O
3
layers with the antibacterial performances of silver. The effect
of silver in modifying the durability features of the anodized aluminum
layer was evaluated by means of various accelerated degradation techniques,
such as the exposure in a climatic chamber to UV-B radiation or an
aggressive atmosphere simulated by the Kesternich test. These analyses
showed the good compatibility between Ag and the alumina matrix, whose
durability performances were not particularly influenced by silver.
Furthermore, the composite layers did not express relevant cytotoxicity
activity, as evidenced by Trypan blue flow cytometry analysis and
microscopy observations, ensuring the possible use of this material
in applications in close contact with humans. This same conclusion
was reached by observing an almost negligible ionic release of Ag
by the composite layers, even following severe degradation of the
alumina matrix due to exposure to a particular acid solution. In conclusion,
this work presents an innovative material that can be used in public
spaces, thanks to its interesting combination of high durability and
low cytotoxicity.