Preparation and characterization of PMMA nanocomposites based on ZnO-NPs for antibacterial packaging applications

Abstract

This study aims to synthesis and characterize of poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites that based on methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), namely PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite via in-situ emulsion polymerization of MMA monomer using potassium persulphate (PPS) as initiator. ZnO-NPs were firstly prepared through hydrothermal method. The prepared ZnO-NPs were investigated by X-Ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). PMMA/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared via emulsion polymerization using different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (2%, 4%, 8% and 12%) based on monomer concentration. Furthermore, PMMA/ZnO nanocomposites were studied using FT-IR, TEM, XRD, UV/Vis spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The fabricated poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites display good morphological, thermal properties and antibacterial activity than pure PMMA. Additionally, the PMMA nanocomposites display respectable antimicrobial activity against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and yeast (Candida albicans). Additionally, the PMMA nanocomposites can be used as good materials for antibacterial packaging applications.