Abstract
The antibacterial polyurethane foam-ZnO nanocomposites with high strength are prepared along with reducing the amount of consumable tin catalyst. The effect of three key parameters on the foams strength (weight percentage of ZnO nanoparticles, isocyanate index, and amount of tin catalyst) is optimized using response surface methodology. The cellular morphology and matrix structure of prepared foams were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy respectively. In addition, using tensile tests, the optimum conditions found for the maximum tensile strength (193.5 kPa) were isocyanate index: 109, tin catalyst: 0.14 g per 100 g polyol, and weight percentage of ZnO nanoparticles: 1.5 with good agreement between the predicted and experimental values. Moreover, the results of compression strength of the samples showed that the resistance to compression of the optimal nanocomposite was increased in comparison with the neat foams. The antibacterial activity of the optimal nanocomposite was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Eventually, the results showed that the synthetic foam with optimal conditions in addition to high strength compared to pure foam requires less tin catalyst and has appropriate antibacterial properties.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.