Multifunctional AgO/epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, anticorrosion and bactericidal properties

In this work, AgO nanoparticles as fillers were mixed with epoxy resin in varying loading levels from 0.5 wt% to 2.0 wt% to form multifunctional AgO/epoxy nanocomposites. Surface characterization revealed the uniform distribution of AgO nanoparticles in the nanocomposites when the loading of AgO was less than 1.5 wt%. The porosity and pore specific surface area of the nanocomposites first decreased and then increased with the increase loading of AgO. The introduction of AgO nanoparticles into epoxy matrix could improve the mechanical properties. The tensile strength and bending strength of the nanocomposite were maximum at a loading of 1.0 wt% AgO nanoparticles, which were increased by 72.67 % and 22.64 % compared with neat epoxy. The results of electrochemical measurement conducted in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution exhibited enhanced anticorrosion properties of the nanocomposite coatings compared with blank epoxy coating. Furthermore, the antimicrobial test indicated that the nanocomposites had strong bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Their bactericidal effect strengthened as the loading of AgO increased. The improved mechanical, anticorrosion and antimicrobial properties would allow the nanocomposites to withstand externally mechanical impact and prevent both corrosion and bacteria growth effectively.