Antibacterial activity and antistatic composites of polyester/Ag‐SiO2 prepared by a sol–gel method

Abstract Poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composites containing silver‐silica (Ag‐SiO 2 ) were prepared using an in‐situ sol–gel process. Maleic anhydride‐grafted PBAT (PBAT‐ g ‐MA) and multihydroxyl‐functionalized Ag‐SiO 2 were used to improve the compatibility and dispersibility of Ag‐SiO 2 within the PBAT matrix. The composites were characterized morphologically using transmission electron microscopy and chemically using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The existence of Ag‐SiO 2 nanoparticles on the substrate was confirmed by the ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra. The antibacterial and antistatic properties of the composites were evaluated whether SiO 2 enhanced the electrical conductivity was tested as well as whether Ag enhanced the antibacterial activity of the PBAT‐ g ‐MA/SiO 2 or PBAT/SiO 2 composites. The PBAT‐ g ‐MA/SiO 2 or PBAT/SiO 2 composite that contained Ag had better antibacterial activity (more than 1.3‐fold). The functionalized PBAT‐ g ‐MA/Ag‐SiO 2 composite can markedly enhanced antibacterial and antistatic properties due to the carboxyl groups of maleic anhydride, which acted as coordination sites for the Ag‐SiO 2 phase, allowing the formation of stronger chemical bonds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011