Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan-Alumina/f-MWCNT Nanocomposites

Abstract

Antimicrobial chitosan-alumina/functionalized-multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by a simple phase inversion method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed the change in the internal morphology of the composites and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of alumina and f-MWCNTs in the chitosan polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the appearance of new functional groups from both alumina and f-MWCNTs, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the addition of alumina and f-MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of the chitosan polymer. The presence of alumina and f-MWCNTs in the polymer matrix was found to improve the thermal stability and reduced the solubility of chitosan polymer. The prepared chitosan-alumina/f-MWCNT nanocomposites showed inhibition of twelve strains of bacterial strains that were tested. Thus, the nanocomposites show a potential for use as a biocide in water treatment for the removal of bacteria at different environmental conditions.