The kinetics of thermal instability in nanocrystalline silver and the effect of heat treatment on the antibacterial activity of nanocrystalline silver dressings.

The kinetics of nanocrystalline silver dressing heat treatment was investigated via isothermal heat treatments at 90 degrees C, 100 degrees C, and 110 degrees C lasting 2-50h. Bactericidal efficacy of the dressings was measured via log reductions, while bacteriostatic longevity was determined via plate-to-plate transfer corrected zones of inhibition. Morphological evolution of the dressing was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while changes in heat flow were measured by differential scanning calorimetry.