Enhancing physico-mechanical and antibacterial properties of natural rubber using synthesized Ag-SiO₂ nanoparticles

The incorporation of the prepared Ag-SiO₂ core-shell particles in natural rubber matrix was investigated on antibacterial and mechanical properties of resulting composites. Significant antibacterial effect against S. aureus (Gram positive) and P. aeruginosa (Gram negative) was observed and achieved inhibition growth up to 85 and 90%, respectively, after 24 h depending on the amount of Ag-SiO₂ core-shell. It was found that SiO₂ acted as crosslinking agent and controlling the amount of silver release. UV-vis spectra and TEM, XRD showed Ag-SiO₂ core-shell particles formation. SEM, FTIR, XRD and mechanical analysis showed uniform distribution of Ag-SiO₂ core-shell into rubber matrix with enhanced tensile strength.