Influence of nano-hydroxyapatite particles on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of polycarbonate films

Abstract

In the present research, eco-friendly composite films of polycarbonate (PC)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) have been successfully prepared using the solution casting method with a concentration of (3, 5, 10 and 15% PS/PC with 1.6 nHAP). These films were characterized to investigate the influence of nano material upon the Ultraviolet (UV)-wethering of the mechanical properties employing tensile test, thermal properties utilizing Lee disk, and antibacterial properties utilizing culture method. From the tests, it was observed that the nano hydroxyapatite led to a reduction in the degradation and an increase in the thermal conductivity. The antibacterial studies manifested that the toxicity was severely decreased via the incorporation of nano hydroxyapatite and became highly antibacterial. Optical constants have been analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy.Results reveal the decrease in band gap and enhancement in optical constants. FESEM images of 10% PS/PC and 10% PS/PC+1.6 nano particles exhibit a high degree of particle dispersion homogeneity within the 10% PS/PC matrix. The contact angle tests elucidated that the prepared films were highly hydrophobic with a hydrophobocity of 99%, which aids in the antibacterial capabilities and hence they can be used as packaging materials.

Keywords

• polycarbonate
• polystyrene
• nano composite
• Uv-weathering
• cytotoxicity
• antibacterial