Antimicrobial materials produced by incorporating copper acetate into ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer for its use in personal care and cosmetic packaging

Currently, there is a great demand for functional materials with effective pathogen-killing properties. In this research, we describe the use of green technology “reactive extrusion” for the synthesis of potent antimicrobial materials based on Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). Herein, the antimicrobial agent, copper (II) acetate was used without pretreatment and introduced into the EVOH matrices at high temperatures. The thermal reaction of copper (II) acetate within the EVOH matrices and their effect on the thermal and thermomechanical properties of the polymer were investigated in regards to their concentration. The physicochemical, thermal, and rheological features, as well as, metal salt release kinetics were reported. The antimicrobial agent had significant effects on the properties of the matrix. Results showed a reduction in the glass transition temperatures and storage modulus of the materials in response to the incorporation of copper (II) acetate. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the products was studied and demonstrated a possibility to create antimicrobial materials in a one-step, solvent-free extrusion process.