Efficient dispersion of coated silver nanoparticles in the polymer matrix

Silver–polymer composite material containing highly dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of 20–100 nm diameter can be obtained from bare nanosilver. The synthesis consists of three steps. The first step is modification of AgNPs by 2-aminoethanethiol. Second, polyacrylic acid is bonded to the silver 2-aminoethanethiolate by the carbodiimide method. Then esterification of the remaining carboxyl groups of the product by methanol results in formation of a stable colloidal dispersion of AgNPs in the polymer matrix. The method allows obtaining of nanocomposites with silver contents up to 1.4 wt%.