Investigation of antibacterial properties of melamine coatings containing chitosan and clay nanofibers

Researches on antimicrobial coatings to protect surfaces from remnants of microorganisms on the surfaces in the environment that can lead to the spread of diseases in human societies, has attracted a remarkable interest. In this regard, the effects of chitosan nanofibers and clay nanoparticles (sodium montmorillonite) on antibacterial properties of melamine coatings were investigated. Urea formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde resins were prepared by adding nanomaterials to each of them 1% by weight using a mechanical-ultrasound mixing method. The distribution and presence of nanomaterials in the resin and the antibacterial properties of melamine coatings were studied. To investigate the antibacterial properties of melamine coatings prepared, two type Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) were used. The results of X-ray diffraction and field-emission electron microscopy images, confirmed the proper distribution of chitosan nanofibers and clay nanoparticles in the polymer. The results also showed that by adding nanomaterials to the resins used in the melamine coating, the antibacterial properties of the coatings can be remarkably improved. On the other hand, the study of antibacterial properties of coatings showed that chitosan nanofibers had stronger antibacterial properties than clay montmorillonite Na+ nanoparticles.