Antibacterial superhydrophobic polyvinyl chloride surfaces via the improved phase separation process using silver phosphate nanoparticles

Abstract

This study aims to induce antibacterial and superhydrophobic properties on the surface of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheets via an improved phase separation process through application of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thin films. Porous PVC thin films were produced using different amounts of ethanol as nonsolvent. However, the created porosity was not sufficient to achieve superhydrophobicity. To improve the phase separation process, the silver phosphate nanoparticles were first synthesized and then added to the solution. According to scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results, the nanoparticles were majorly localized at the bulk of PVC films. A direct relationship was found between the level of porosity and superhydrophobicity. An exceedingly high amount of nanoparticles had a deteriorating influence on porosity and superhydrophobicity. The optimum sample was found to be durable against liquids with different pH values. In contrast to the good resistance of superhydrophobic sample at elevated temperatures (80 °C), a sticky behavior was obtained upon exposure to 120 °C. The level of bacterial adhesion for the superhydrophobic sample was drastically declined (>99%) with respect to the pure PVC film in case of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria after an incubation time of 24 h. In conclusion, the hybrid of superhydrophobic behavior and an antibacterial material such as silver phosphate nanoparticles exhibited a promising potential in achieving antibacterial surfaces.

Keywords: Antibacterial; Nanoparticles; Phase separation; Polyvinyl chloride; Superhydrophobic.