Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of Iron (III) Oxide and Titanium (IV) Oxide Nanoparticle Dispersed Polyester Resin Nanocomposites.

In this work, dispersed nanoparticles of Fe₂O₃- and TiO₂-reinforced linear saturated polyester resin nanocomposites were fabricated. Nanosized oxides of iron (III) and titanium (IV) and polyester resin were prepared throughout sol–gel deposition and polycondensation reactions, respectively. The incorporation of nanostructured metal oxides with polyester matrix was characterized. Molecular weight, structure, composition, morphology and electric property of composites were investigated by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and conductivity measurements. The obtained nanocomposites exhibit low crystallinity, high agglomeration and high conductivity due to the ionic cross-linking. Moreover, the biological activity of the fabricated nanocomposites was studied against selected strains of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The biological effect of polyester nanocomposites has higher value than the free one. These nanocomposites will find potential sites in catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]