Abstract

Antimicrobial activity of EVOH based nanocomposite prepared by simple saponification

Author(s): Eun-Ju Lee, Eun-Soo Park

Various EVOHbased nanocomposite particleswere prepared by incorporating nano-sized clay, pozzolan or TiO2 in a poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)/toluene solution and precipitating in ethanol/KOH solution.After 6 h saponification time, the nanocomposite particles shape recovered was almost the same as the parent particles. The antibacterial activity of prepared nanocomposite powderswas determined by shake flask test against S. aureus and E. coli. Among the nanocomposites used in this study, 6 h saponified EVA/MMT-50% nanocomposite exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the two kinds of bacteria. The biocidal nanocomposites were also tested for resistance to fungal growth in accelerated tests according to ASTMD5590.As the saponification time increased, the antifungal activity against A. niger and P. funiculosum of all nanocomposites was increased. After 7 days of incubation, saponified EVA/Loess nanocomposite film exhibited highest inhibitory ability against both fungal strains.