Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, stradella S. Nicola 3, 36100 Vicenza, Italy.
Molecules. 2021 Sep 6;26(17):5426. doi: 10.3390/molecules26175426.
The main purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview on the preparation of multifunctional epoxies, with improved antimicrobial activity and enhanced mechanical properties through nanomodification. In the first section, we focus on the approaches to achieve antimicrobial activity, as well as on the methods used to evaluate their efficacy against bacteria and fungi. Relevant application examples are also discussed, with particular reference to antifouling and anticorrosion coatings for marine environments, dental applications, antimicrobial fibers and fabrics, and others. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanical behaviors of nanomodified epoxies with improved antimicrobial properties, analyzing the typical damage mechanisms leading to the significant toughening effect of nanomodification. Some examples of mechanical properties of nanomodified polymers are provided. Eventually, the possibility of achieving, at the same time, antimicrobial and mechanical improvement capabilities by nanomodification with nanoclay is discussed, with reference to both nanomodified epoxies and glass/epoxy composite laminates. According to the literature, a nanomodified epoxy can successfully exhibit antibacterial properties, while increasing its fracture toughness, even though its tensile strength may decrease. As for laminates-obtaining antibacterial properties is not followed by improved interlaminar properties.
本工作的主要目的是提供关于多功能环氧树脂的制备的全面概述，通过纳米改性提高其抗菌活性和增强机械性能。在第一节中，我们重点介绍了实现抗菌活性的方法，以及用于评估其对细菌和真菌的功效的方法。还讨论了相关的应用实例，特别提到了海洋环境的防污和防腐涂料、牙科应用、抗菌纤维和织物等。随后，我们讨论了具有改善抗菌性能的纳米改性环氧树脂的机械行为，分析了导致纳米改性显著增韧的典型损伤机制。提供了一些纳米改性聚合物的机械性能实例。最后，讨论了通过纳米粘土的纳米改性同时实现抗菌和机械增强能力的可能性，同时参考了纳米改性环氧树脂和玻璃/环氧树脂层压板。根据文献，纳米改性环氧树脂可以成功地表现出抗菌性能，同时提高其断裂韧性，尽管其拉伸强度可能会降低。至于层压板-获得抗菌性能并不会带来改善的层间性能。
