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Effects of UV weathering on the mechanical and antibacterial performance of peroxide‐cured silicone rubber containing biocide HPQM
Author(s) -
Taptim Kulnida,
Sombatsompop Narongrit
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.21326
Subject(s) - natural rubber , vulcanization , materials science , silicone rubber , benzoyl peroxide , peroxide , antibacterial activity , ultimate tensile strength , curing (chemistry) , nuclear chemistry , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , bacteria , polymer , biology , polymerization , genetics
2‐Hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinyl‐quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate (HPQM) was used as a biocide in a silicone rubber compound. Antibacterial and mechanical performance of the compound was assessed before and after exposure to UV light for different times. Drop‐plate and halo tests were employed to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the antibacterial performance of the compound against Escherichia coli ( E. coli , ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus , ATCC 25923). The results showed that the cure characteristics and the physical and mechanical properties of the HPQM‐containing rubber compound were strongly affected by the UV light. The tensile properties and hardness increased with UV aging. The lightness ( L* ) of the rubber compound without HPQM did not change with UV exposure, whereas that for the compound with HPQM decreased with UV exposure. The longer the contact time, the better the ability for killing the bacteria. After experiencing initial UV aging for 3 days, the rubber compound with HPQM showed an effective killing ability. However, after prolonged UV exposure, the antibacterial efficacy was reduced as a result of HPQM removal from the rubber surface during the condensation stage and a post‐curing reaction of the residual peroxide in the rubber compound. Under UV light, the silicone rubber compound with HPQM had a greater preference for killing the E. coli . J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:49–56, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers