Abstract

In the present study, a new method for the synthesis of the open cell flexible polyurethane foams (PUFs) was developed by using starch powder and the modification of closed cell foam formulation. Starch is the second largest polymeric carbohydrate as a macromolecule on this planet with a large number of glucose units. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized by thermal degradation method at different temperatures of 400, 600 and 800 °C as antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial activity of CuO NPs and commercial CuO powder against the main causes of hospital infections were tested. CuO600was the most effective antimicrobial agent and enhanced polymer matrix tensile strength with starch powder as new polyurethane foams (PUFs) cell opener with high tensile strength. The effects of parameters on tensile strength were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). CuO NPs and PUF had optimal conditions and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Foam synthesized at the optimal conditions had an open cell structure with high tensile strength and efficient antimicrobial activity that made them suitable to be used as an antimicrobial hospital mattress to control hospital infections.