Synthesis of Self-Assembled Ag-ZrO2 Plant Shape for an Effective Antibacterial Ceramic Application

Zirconia nano plant shape with silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse micro emulsion-mediated Sol-gel method with effective antibacterial property suitable for ceramic industry. ZrCl4 and silver nitrate have been used as the major raw materials. TEM studies show that leaves and arms of the antibacterial dendritic would be trapped by the amorphous phase of the glaze, therefore, it would be established into the ceramic appliance. The particle size distribution of leaves of the dendritic were in the full range of 20–150 nanometer. Antibacterial activities of deposited films against S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli on the ceramic tile heat treated at 700 °C and 900 °C have been compared. It can be seen by preparation and antibacterial studies before and after 200 hours in a weathering chamber, that the Silver/Zirconia nano-dendritic composite after heat treated at 700°C exhibits a much reliable antibacterial activity pigment without UV light irradiation, for ceramic application.