Silicone Rubber and Microcrystalline Cellulose Composites with Antimicrobial Properties

The goal of this study was to create polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites with high mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity. Vinyl-terminated PDMS was mixed with bifunctional filler, which combines MCC stiffness and antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles. To provide antimicrobial properties the silver nanoparticles in situ were synthesized by chemical reducing method in MCC aqueous suspension. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) concentration deposited on MCC particles surface was varied. The morphology, antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of PDMS/MCC composites and their components have been investigated. It was shown that the combination of MCC/AgNPs as a filler and PDMS as matrix advantages bring multifunctional properties to polymer matrix composite. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.20.1.4397</p