M. Atilla Tasdelen

In Situ Synthesis of Oil-Based Polymer/Silver Nanocomposites by Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Free Radical Polymerization Processes

In this study, in situ synthesis of oil-based polymer–silver nanocomposites was achieved by using photoinduced free radical polymerization processes in which silver nanoparticles were formed by electron transfer reaction. An oil-based macromonomer was prepared and then copolymerized with styrene in the presence of AgNO3. Copolymerization was started with free radicals formed by photolysis of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl acetophenone and simultaneously silver nitrate was reduced to metallic silver in nanosize by electron transfer reaction. The amount of photoinitiator influenced the size of silver nanoparticles formed within the polymer films. Nanocomposite films were characterized by TEM and TGA analysis. The obtained polymer nanocomposite film was also examined in respect of surface coating material that would have an antibacterial effect against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and spore-forming bacteria. It was demonstrated that suitably coated nanocomposite samples exhibited an antibacterial effect against these bacteria.

Light Induced Processes for the Synthesis of Polymers With Complex Structures

Light induced reactions are based on the absorption of light that excites the electrons of a molecule and can, under favorable circumstances, lead to dissociation, isomerization, abstraction, electron or energy transfer, and bond formation. These reactions have been the subject of many studies in various fields including organic chemistry, molecular biology, electronics etc. Light induced reactions can advantageously be utilized in the field of polymer chemistry. Among them, light induced polymerization is of enormous commercial importance. Techniques such as curing of coatings on wood, metal and paper, adhesives, printing inks and photoresists are based on photopolymerization. There are some other interesting applications, including production of laser video discs and curing of acrylate dental fillings. In this chapter, general methods for the light induced polymerization processes involving radical and ionic reactions are described. Special emphasize is devoted to their application to more complex macromolecular structures such as block, graft and star copolymers, and polymer nanocomposites based on clay and metal.