Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites: Poly(amide) 6 and low density poly(ethylene) filled with zinc oxide

Abstract

The antimicrobial activity against E. coli, St. aureus and A. niger of zinc oxide when blended with polymers has been measured by an applied dynamic method. Two polymers: poly(amide) 6 (PA6) and low density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) have been used as matrix. ZnO nanoparticles content as low as 1% w/w in the polymers showed great antibacterial activity but no antifungal activity. The results of bacterial slaying capability of these nanocomposites was also found to be better when zinc oxide was dispersed in PA6, where the efficiency is similar to pure ZnO particles. The composites have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).