Silver Nanoparticles in Cellulose Acetate Polymers: Rheological and Morphological Properties

Silver nitrate was incorporated in cellulose acetate with different substitution degrees as a dispersion medium. Silver-containing polymer solutions in 2-methoxyethanol were rheologically investigated, both before and after boiling, which permitted a better understanding of the morphological aspects of the corresponding cast films. The different distribution of the obtained silver nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, as well as the influence of the hydrophobic character of cellulose acetate, induced by the substitution degree, were established by atomic force microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. Increasing of cellulose acetate hydrophobicity resulted in a more uniform distribution of the silver nanoparticles, with dimensions higher, in the matrix of cellulose acetate second to smaller surface roughness.