Change in Orientation of Polyacrylic Acid and Chitosan Networks by Imprintment of Gold Nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Herein, gold nanoparticles (Au Nps) imprinted polyacrylic acid/chitosan (PAA/CS) nanocomposite hydrogels are designed by in situ polymerization technique. The change in crystallite size and d-spacing is established from X-ray diffraction study. It is interesting to notice that the layered morphology of PAA/CS/Au nanocomposite hydrogel is achieved from field emission scanning electron microscopy due to entanglement of polymeric chains by imprintment of Au Nps. The orientations of polymeric chains reveal the enhancement in pH-responsive swelling percentage and prolong water holding capacity of PAA/CS/Au nanocomposites. Biodegradation of the as-synthesized material is studied from which the antimicrobial activity of Au Nps is predicted.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Biodegradation
• crystallite size
• gold nanoparticles
• morphology
• swelling

Acknowledgments

Anuradha Biswal expresses her thanks to TEQIP-III of the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology for providing fellowship for pursuing her doctoral degree.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare there is no conflict of interest in publishing this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anuradha Biswal

Anuradha Biswal has completed her master degree in Chemistry from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India. Currently, she is perusing her doctoral degree under direct supervision of Prof. S. K. Swain at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology.

Pramod K. Sethy

Pramod K. Sethy has completed his master degree in Chemistry from Ravenshaw University Cuttack, India. Currently, he is perusing his doctoral degree under direct supervision of Prof. S. K. Swain at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology.

Sarat K. Swain

Sarat K. Swain is working presently as a Professor of Chemistry and Dean (Academic Affairs) at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur. He has worked as Post-Doctoral Fellow in Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA, after receiving his Doctoral degree from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India. His area of research interests includes, reinforced polymer nanocomposites, hybrid nanomaterials, advanced materials like nanoclay, graphene, CNF, CNT for improving of fire retardant, gas barrier, thermal, chemical and mechanical resistance properties of the materials. He has published more than 100 research papers in different international SCI/Scopus indexed journals. So far, he has authored 04 books, 30 book chapters, and with inventions of two patents (One USA and One Indian) to his credits.