Influence of poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) stabilized silver nanoparticles on mechanical and antibacterial properties of peroxide prevulcanized natural rubber

Colloidal poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (P(BA-co-MAA)) particles were synthesized by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. The polymeric particles were then mixed with natural rubber latex which was further prepared as peroxide prevulcanized natural rubber-poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid)/silver (PPNR-P(BA-co-MAA)/Ag) nanocomposites. UV–visible (UV–vis) spectra and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicated the octahedral shape of AgNPs in the nanocomposite films. The presence of P(BA-co-MAA) in the nanocomposite films increased tensile strength compared to films without P(BA-co-MAA). The highest enhancement of mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was obtained with 10,000 and 5000 ppm of P(BA-co-MAA) and AgNO3, respectively. The PPNR-P(BA-co-MAA)/Ag films exhibited a bactericidal effect against E. coli and S. aureus. The successful bacterial reduction results corresponded to Ag+ released from the nanocomposite films and the presence of Ca2+ from a coagulant in the dipping process.