Siberian Federal University

Incorporation of nanosilver in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix, and the morphology, state of silver, antimicrobial activity and wearing of the composite materials produced have been studied employing scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of a series of Ag nanoparticle hydrosols and aqueous solutions of salts, UHMWPE powders with deposited metal and composites prepared by pressure molding of the powders or impregnation of porous compact polymer were tested against E. Coli. The activity, which depends upon the nature of the metal solution, commonly decreased after the molding. The composites with high activity were obtained by impregnation of porous enough UHMWPE compacts with aqueous – ethanol solution of AgNO3, which contain preferentially elemental silver in micrometer scale voids. The wearability of the composite material is only two times lower than that of compact UHMWPE and the samples prepared using metal impregnated polymer granules