Characterization of antibacterial nanocomposites of polyethylene terephthalate filled with nanosilver-doped carbon black
A new filler for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was synthesized by doping carbon black (CB) with nanosilver. Images taken from energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction validated the synthesis of the filler (nanosilver-doped CB (CB-Ag)). We evaluated the effect of CB-Ag on the mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites (CB-Ag/PET). Thermogravimetric analyses, morphology, and tensile tests indicated that thermodegradation, crystallization rate, and tensile strength were all improved as a result of filling PET with CB-Ag. Excellent antibacterial properties were imparted to PET nanocomposites, which would be useful for a wide array of industrial applications.