Conducting and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Nanowire–Waxy Starch Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT Silver nanowires were prepared on a waxy corn starch matix by a simple and green hydrothermal route. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of nanostructured cubic silver embedded in waxy starch matrix. The particle size by Scherrer’s equation is calculated to be about 32 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed a uniform morphology, indicating intimate association of the metal-polysaccharide composite. The nanocomposites exhibited bactericidal effect and electrical conductivity, which was observed to be a function of temperature and metal concentration. The eco-friendly nanocomposites could be of potential biomedical application.

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