Polyoctanediol citrate-ZnO composite films: Preparation, characterization and release kinetics of nanoparticles from polymer matrix

In this paper we describe a novel composite material consistent of citric acid-based polyester elastomer and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Produced material was characterised by field emission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy and mechanical tests. Release kinetics of NPs from the polymer matrix and anti-bacterial properties of the composite are also reported. We demonstrate that the composite morphology, mechanical integrity and the relative amount of NPs released under physiological conditions are strongly affected by variation of the initial concentration of NPs in the composite mixture during the fabrication process. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.