Influence of Filler Introduction Method on Structure and Properties of Polymer Composites Based on Polyurethane and Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites based on segmented polyurethane and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using different methods of nanoparticle introduction. The dependence of their structure, thermophysical and antimicrobial properties on the method of introducing AgNPs was studied. It was established that the method of introduction affects both the spatial distribution of the filler particles and the final properties of the material. The introduction of AgNPs by the ultrasonic dispersion method leads to inhibition of the growth of the crystalline phase, which is associated with the formation of aggregates from AgNPs of small size, which have a large polymer-filler interaction surface. It is shown that the introducing AgNPs from a colloidal solution leads to an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the polymer matrix, which is a consequence of the nucleation effect of nanosized silver particles on the formation of the crystalline phase. It was established that the method of introducing nanoparticles does not affect their final antimicrobial properties. Owing to their unique characteristics, synthesized nanocomposite films can be promising for use as antimicrobial coatings.