Novel Method of Incorporating Silver Nanoparticles into Natural Rubber Latex Foam

Silver nanoparticles (SNP) incorporated potassium oleate (KOL) soap by in situ reduction of silver nitrate by trisodium citrate (TSC) was described. Novel incorporation method of SNP into the natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) was successfully carried out by mixing 4 parts per hundred rubber (pphr) of SNP incorporated KOL soap in to the natural rubber latex (NRL) compound. UV-Visible spectrophotometer analysis, particle size analysis data and transmission electron micrograph analysis proved the modified KOL soap consisted of stable mono-dispersed nanometer size silver particles. SEM/EDX analysis of a latex film made out with modified NRL compound by SNP incorporated KOL soap shows nanosized silver particles inside it. Modified KOL and final product of modified NRLF by SNP incorporated KOL soap tested for antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The resultant KOL itself can inhibit Gram negative E. coli bacterium in a very strong manner. Inhibition of the same strain of E. coli bacterium by modified NRLF showed positive result.