In situ synthesis of oil based polymer composites containing silver nanoparticles

Using electron transfer reaction and free radical polymerization processes a series of triglyceride oil based polymer-silver nanocomposites were successfully prepared. The whole process was divided into two simultaneous stages; (i) copolymerization of macromonomers obtained from partial glycerides with styrene and (ii) the reduction of silver nitrate to metallic silver nano particles with radicals stemming from the thermolysis of 2,2'-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN). Nanocomposites were characterized by TEM and TGA. The obtained polymer nanocomposite was also examined in view of antibacterial effect against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Spore forming bacteria. It was demonstrated that nanocomposite samples exhibited an antibacterial effect against these bacteria. Film properties of the samples as potential coating material were also studied. Nanocomposite samples showed better film properties than that of the polymer without silver nanoparticles.