The Effect of Titanium Dioxide on the Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene Nanocomposites

 Due to the high use of polystyrene in food and medicine industries, it is particularly important to have antibacterial properties for these types of polymers. In this study, composite samples of polystyrene and titanium dioxide were prepared by using a twin-screw extruder.

 The samples were prepared by injection moulding process for mechanical and anti-bacterial testing. It was observed that adding TiO2 would improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polystyrene.

 According to the results of the natural weathering test, TiO2 as a semi-conductor photo-catalyst has an active role in the determination of antibacterial properties of polymer matrix.

  Micro and nano-scale of TiO2 improved impact strength, tensile strength, Vicat softening temperature and melt flow index of all samples. Moreover, the prepared mixture showed appropriate antibacterial properties against E.Coli and S.Aureus. It was concluded that the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite sample are better than those of the composite sample because of smaller size and larger surface area of Nano particles.