Preparação e caracterização de filmes a base de nanocompósitos borracha natural-AgNPs

Abstract

Natural rubber extracted from rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a component in many products and it has a great economic importance throughout the world. Although Brazil is not the largest producer in the world, it represents a portion of this production since it has adequate characteristics for planting, as well as a historical tradition in cultivation. At the nanoscale the natural rubber is still poorly studied, even with a large potential for application. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) also have potential for various applications, especially as antimicrobial. Based on the characteristics of these two nanoparticles, this work aimed to develop and characterize nanocomposites films based on silver nanoparticles and rubber nanoparticles, formed on surfaces of glass and vinyl polychloride. The rubber nanoparticles were isolated from the latex of the rubber tree by centrifugation and the best stabilization conditions for these nanoparticles were evaluated. Silver nanoparticles were obtained from two synthesis method: using sodium borohydride and glucose as reducing agents respectively. The mixture of the particle dispersions and films obtained from these nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Six nanocomposites films were obtained and they showed excellent homogeneity when analyzed by SEM. In addition, the nanocomposites films of BN and AgNPs present good adhesion properties and physicchemical stability when immersed in saline solution. The production of these films open possibilities of applications in sensor, antimicrobial coatings, catalysts, and others, which can be inserted in different context that range from chemical industry to medicine.