Irradiation Influence on the Properties of HMS-Polypropylene Clay/AgNPs Nanocomposites

Due to its versatility and low cost, polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used polymers in the world, consequently in research and development of new products. The polypropylene modified was prepared by gamma irradiation in acetylene at 12.5 kGy dose, technical polymer also known as high-melt-strength-polypropylene (HMSPP). It was mixed with montmorillonite (MMT) clay and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for bactericide activity. HMS-Polypropylene-clay-silver nanocomposites were manufactured using twin-screw extruders. Those materials were prepared by a melt mixing process via twin screw extrusion with a wide range of processing conditions. The polypropylene nanocomposites (PPNC) surfaces were exposed to gamma-radiation (Co-60) source in presence of nitrogen as inert atmosphere at 1; 3; 5; 10; 20 and 50 kGy doses for modified the surfaces in order to enhance biocide activity. The samples surfaces were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) and evaluated by determination of bactericide effects. The results indicate the formation of structures predominantly intercalated of HMSPP nanocomposite. Contact tests for antibacterial activity of the hybrid polymer were applied against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria. The irradiations on the samples surfaces were insufficient to promote activity on contact biocide tests.