Coir fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites (PP/CF), compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PPMAH) and stabilized with a hindered amine, HALS (Tinuvin V R 791) and UV absorber (Hostavin V R ARO 8), were prepared in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The effects of additives and their interactions were investigated by analyzing the mechanical properties, in tensile strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results indicate that the incorporation of coir, in the presence of the compatibilizer, significantly increases tensile strength, but in the absence of the compatibilizer, the natural fibers act as stress concentrators, allowing a lower tensile strength to the sample. The joint presence of Tinuvin V R and the compatibilizer has a negative effect on tensile strength and on the compatibility of the natural fiber with the matrix. UV absorber does not affect the compatibility of the PP/ CF composites.

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The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and other emerging infections are difficult and sometimes impossible to treat, making them one of the major public health problems of our time. It is noteworthy that Ag-based semiconductors can help orchestrate several strategies to fight this serious societal issue. In this work, we present the synthesis of α-Ag 2 WO 4 , β-Ag 2 MoO 4 , and Ag 2 CrO 4 and their immobilization in polypropylene in the amounts of 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 wt %, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the composites was investigated against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the fungus Candida albicans. The best antimicrobial efficiency was achieved by the composite with α-Ag 2 WO 4 , which completely eliminated the microorganisms in up to 4 h of exposure. The composites were also tested for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 virus, showing antiviral efficiency higher than 98% in just 10 min. Additionally, we evaluated the stability of the antimicrobial activity, resulting in constant inhibition, even after material aging. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species by the semiconductors, which can induce high local oxidative stress, causing the death of these microorganisms.