Preparation, properties, and microbial impact of tungsten (Vi) oxide and zinc (ii) oxide nanoparticles enriched polyethylene sebacate nanocomposites

Abstract

Nanoparticles of tungsten oxide (WO3 ) and zinc oxide (ZnO) enriched polyethylene se-bacate (PES) nanocomposites were prepared through the coprecipitation process and condensation polymerization reaction. The obtained nano-sized particles of WO3 and ZnO, PES, and nanocom-posites (WO3-PES NC and ZnO-PES NC) were investigated. The average molecular weight of the cured PES was measured by employing the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) technique. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra assured the formation of the polymeric nanocomposites.WO3 and ZnO nanoparticles supposed a condensed porous spherical phase found implanted in the polymer structure, as detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. These nano-scale systems achieved an electrical activity based on the conductive nanoparticles embedded matrix as a result of the ion–ion interactions. The microbial influence of the nanocomposites was examined against pathogenic bacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, and Fungi; Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans. Results exhibited that these nanocomposites have antimicrobial effects from moderate to slightly high on bacteria and high on fungi which was con-firmed by a clear zone of inhibition. This study contributes to the design of reasonable composites to be under evaluation for their catalytic effect.