Characterization of Silver Nano-particle Coated Eichhornia crassipes Fiber for Antibacterial Applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this investigation, silver nano-particles (AgNPs) were coated on the surface of the Eichhornia crassipes fiber (ECF) by single-step hydrothermal method. The coating of AgNPs on the external layer of the ECFs was confirmed through the TGA, SEM, EDX and XRD analysis. The results of thermo gravimetric analysis revealed that thermal stability and maximum degradation temperature of the 6 mM AgNO3 treated ECF was higher than the raw, NaOH treated and other AgNO3 (2 mM, 4 mM, 8mM and 10 mM) treated ECF. Scanning electron scope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis proved the presence of AgNPs on the surface of the fiber with the average particle size of 93 nm. FTIR analysis demonstrated the involvement of OH groups of ECF in AgNPs generation process. XRD analysis displayed the corresponding peaks of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver oxide nano-particles (Ag2ONPs) in the 6 mM AgNO3 treated ECF. Antibacterial test outcomes proved the antibacterial nature of AgNPs coated ECF. All the above findings concluded that AgNPs coated ECF were suitable reinforcement in bio-films used for the medical and food packaging.