Development of nanocomposites with antibacterial effect for leather and textile

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop new systems of nanocomposites to confer new functions to materials used for seats of public vehicles and public spaces. Specifically, this study focuses on antibacterial effect for leather and technical textile substrates. The first stage of the research consists of a selection of micro/nanomaterials and active principles: selection and evaluation of nanoparticles, antibacterial and antifungal substances. In the second stage, the process of encapsulation of active principles was studied. The research includes optimization of the encapsulation process by improving the size and stability of the capsules. In addition, the synthesis of a hybrid organic-inorganic polymer acting as a nanomaterial carrier was developed. To understand the mechanisms of synthesis and action of micro/nanomaterials, characterization techniques have been used: scanning electron microscopy SEM and optical microscopy, analysis and distribution of particle size (DLS, Zetasizer). Regarding the antibacterial and antifungal ability of nanocomposites, we adapted standard ASTM 2180-07 "Test methods for determining the activity or incorporated antimicrobial agent (s) in polymeric or hydrophobic materials." Different products have been developed and the results obtained allow us to conclude that the synthesized products showed inhibition to the growth of bacteria and fungi on the contact surface