In situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles in polyetherimide matrix and its application in coatings

In situ generation of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in an amorphous polyetherimide film by thermal reduction and solvent induced chemical reduction has shown fine control on their size, shape and rate of nanoparticles formation. The concentration of silver NPs changes the particle size and distribution, and hence changes polyetherimide's thermo-mechanical properties without altering its structural properties. Polyetherimide's silver nanocomposite coating shows poorer barrier protection to the steel in the presence of sodium chloride and humid atmosphere than the polyetherimide alone.