Mechanical and antimicrobial properties of multilayer films with a polyethylene/silver nanocomposite layer

Abstract A layer of a polyethylene–silver nanoparticles composite was deposited on a five layer barrier film structure. Different methods were used for the nanocomposite layer deposition: laminating, casting, and spraying over the multilayer structure. For the casting and spraying methods, the silver nanoparticles were previously dispersed in the polymer solution, with the assistance of ultrasound energy. The effect of silver nanoparticles and deposition method on the barrier, mechanical, and optical properties of the multilayer films was evaluated. The efficiency of silver ion release from the PE‐Silver nanocomposite deposited on the multilayer films and their antimicrobial characteristics were investigated and discussed. The silver ion release and biocide effect of the multilayer films was found to be dependant on the silver nanoparticle content and on the deposition method used. The observed results could be helpful in the design of industrial films for packaging. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009