| Abstract
| - The synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of functionalized copper nanoparticle/polymer compositesare reported. Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) are stabilized by surface attachment of the acrylic functionality that canbe copolymerized with other acrylic monomers, thus, becoming an integral part of the polymer backbone. Biologicalexperiments show that Cu NP/polymer composites exhibit antimicrobial activity similar to that of conventional copper-based biocides. Atomic absorption spectroscopy shows the smallest amount of copper ions leaching from chemicallybound acrylated Cu NPs compared to the nonfunctionalized biocides. These composites have a strong potential foruse in antibacterial or marine antifouling coatings.
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