Stimuli‐sensitive nanostructured poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate): Synthesis,characterization, and study of metal ion retention properties

Stimuli‐sensitive polymers are a type of smart polymers having the capability to change their configuration or properties under adequate stimuli as heat, pH, magnetic field, mechanical strength, among other. The aim of this work was to synthesize nanostructured polymers with antibacterial properties capable to change their retention properties of divalent metal ions by external stimuli (pH and ionic strength). For that, a polymerizable nanostructured crosslinker (PNC) based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and acrylic acid was synthesized. Later, NPSS was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization, characterized by different analytical techniques and its retention properties of divalent ions (Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺) were studied at different pHs and ionic strengths (5.0, 7.0, and 9.0; and 0.0, 0.5, and 1.5% NaCl, respectively). It was evidenced that AgNPs can be synthesized using acrylic acid as stabilizing agent, and later, be used for synthesis of NPSS by free‐radical polymerization. For NPSS, metal ion retention decreases as pH is increased; in addition, results suggest that the electrostatic interaction is not the only determining factor in the retention of ions. Other possible factors which would be affecting the retention are: water flow by swelling capacity and water flow by osmotic stress resulting of high salt concentration. NPSS showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus which was enhanced by incorporation of PNC based on AgNPs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46001.