Production of nano silver and nano silica coated paper to be used in active packaging

Abstract The use of active packaging is increasing to reduce and prevent the risks of bacterial and viral infections. Recently, studies on this subject have attracted much attention. Especially how Ag nanoparticles enable the easy destruction of many microorganisms. This feature increases the use of silver nanoparticles in active packaging. Moreover, silica nanoparticles can be used in coatings to give different properties to the paper surface. This study aims to use it in active packaging by creating a paper surface coating. In the study, coatings were prepared using silver and silica nanoparticles. The coatings were applied on base paper. The antibacterial activity of coated papers against Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus ) and Escherichia coli ( E.coli ) was measured by the agar diffusion method. Water absorbency tests (surface contact angle, liquid absorption behavior and surface energy) were measured and analyzed using pendant drop analysis with FTA200 device. Magenta ink was printed on the coated papers with the IGT-C1 test printer, and the CIE L*a*b* color values of the base paper surface, coatings and prints were measured and printability analysis was performed according to ΔE color differences. Simultaneously, the brightness of coated papers (75°) and prints (60°) were measured with BYK Gardner micro glossmeter. As a result, it was determined that especially AgNP’s and AgNP’s + Silica NP’s coated papers showed antibacterial properties and the printing parameters were close to standard values.