Development of Cu Nanoparticle Loaded Oil Palm Fibre Reinforced Nanocomposite

Abstract

Functionalized copper nanoparticles (FCuNPs) have been synthesized by chemical reduction method and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) performed as a stabilizer in that medium. Analysis observed that the average size of the synthesized FCuNPs was 3.5 nm. The obtained FCuNPs were loaded in the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) natural fibre. Before the loading of FCuNPs in EFB fibres, the surface of the fibres is tailored by the cationic agent CHPTAC since they have a natural tendency to exhibit negatively charged surface owing to the presence of large amount of hydroxyl groups. Thereafter, different types of composite were developed and their properties were studied. The composites were developed by using the untreated empty fruit bunch (UEFB) fibres and FCuNPs loaded EFB (NP-CAEFB) fibres with commercially available unsaturated polyester resin (UPER). The synthesized composites were characterized through FTIR, FESEM, XRD, DSC, tensile strength tests, etc. The obtained biodegradation results indicated that significant weight loss was not observed for neat PER and PER/FNP-CAEFB nanocomposite, whereas, the UEFB/VUPER composite showed ca. 21.4% weight loss at 90 days, which was considered rationally due to the preferential degradation of the fibre.

Antibacterial Behavior of Laser-Ablated Copper Nanoparticles

“…On the other hand, one diffraction peak was indexed to cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) having a corresponding peak (220) at 2h value of 60.5°. The presence of Cu 2 O indicates the partial oxidation of Cu NPs with dissolved oxygen in the solution [25,26]. These oxides, which are members of copper compounds family, also attribute to antibacterial mechanism and potential advantage in dental industry.…”

“…However, it seems that these oxides also exhibit antimicrobial properties. This means that Cu NPs could be synthesized in atmospheric environment, at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature by using deionized water as solvent in the case of present work [26,28].…”

Characterisation and Biodegradation of Poly(Lactic Acid) Blended with Oil Palm Biomass and Fertiliser for Bioplastic Fertiliser Composites

“…Recently, scientists have discovered its significant use as matrix for polymer composites. They found it suitable for industrial production lines at large scale, such as thermoforming, extrusion, moulding, or blow moulding under its degradation temperature, which is 200 °C (Ramli et al 2013;Chowdhury et al 2013;Mina et al 2014). It is crucial to maintain the processing temperature below PLA's degradation temperature to ensure the stability of its thermal properties and molecular weight.…”

Silver/Copper Nanoparticle-Modified Polymer Chitosan/PVA Blend Fibers

“…Other metals such as copper (Cu) which belong in the same group as Ag but have not yet been explored that much especially in the nanofibers as composite materials exhibit similar properties as Ag. Cu nanoparticles are known to prevent the growth of fungi, algae, and bacteria effectively and display a broad-spectrum biocide [18]. These nanoparticles exhibit unique properties such as good conductivity, chemical stability, and antimicrobial activity [19].…”