Effect of Silver Nanopowder on Mechanical, Thermal and Antimicrobial Properties of Kenaf/HDPE Composites

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of AgNPs on the mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial activity of kenaf/HDPE composites. AgNP material was prepared at different contents, from 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 to 10 wt%, by an internal mixer and hot compression at a temperature of 150 °C. Mechanical (tensile, modulus and elongation at break), thermal (TGA and DSC) and antimicrobial tests were performed to analyze behavior and inhibitory effects. The obtained results indicate that the effect of AgNP content displays improved tensile and modulus properties, as well as thermal and antimicrobial properties. The highest tensile stress is 5.07 MPa and was obtained at 10wt, TGA showed 10 wt% and had improved thermal stability and DSC showed improved stability with increased AgNP content. The findings of this study show the potential of incorporating AgNP concentrations as a secondary substitute to improve the performance in terms of mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties without treatment. The addition of AgNP content in polymer composite can be used as a secondary filler to improve the properties.

Bamboo-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymer Composites: A Review of Properties, Fabrication, and Potential Applications

“…Natural-fiber-reinforced composite fibers are one of the alternatives to reduce environmental problems, and there is a need to further enhance the capabilities of this green technology [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Natural fiber composites are in high demand in manufacturing industries, such as transmission tower, automotive, construction, aerospace, as well as furniture and packaging [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

Coupling effect of ionic liquids on the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of polymer composites: A succinct review

“…On top of that, the fabrication of polymer composites is not limited to thermosets but also includes thermoplastics. Generally, thermoplastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) [26][27][28][29][30][31][32] and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) 28,33 are also used for this purpose. Furthermore, synthetic and natural fillers, such as aramid pulp, 14,22,[34][35][36] carbon fiber, 8,[19][20][21]37 silica powder, 4,9,13,16,17,23,24 and wood flour 26,28,29,31 have been used for the fabrication of polymer composites.…”