Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Ag/TOPAS Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications

Abstract

The time honored Silver is known for its anti microbial properties. An augmentation of the antimicrobial, electrical, optical and chemical properties of silver takes place at nano scale. This calls for a lucrative market of silver nanoparticles in medicine, anti bacterial coatings, paints, textiles and packaging industry. Since the use of plant extract provides an innocuous route for synthesis of nanoparticles, a study concerning the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extract has been presented in the paper. The biogenic route for synthesis of nanoparticles was preferred because of its comprehensibility and environmental friendly essence. The biogenically synthesized nanoparticles were further used in another environmental friendly application i.e. formation of biodegradable food packaging material. Predominantly plastics are used for packaging, which linger in the environment even after the end of their shelf life; this poses a great threat to the soundness of the planet. In this research, nanocomposite films of TOPAS and biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles are formed and characterized using disparate characterization techniques including SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC and UV-vis spectroscopy. Physical tests like mechanical testing, antimicrobial testing, and Water vapor permeability test have also been executed/ performed to probe into the properties of nanocomposite films.