Particle Size Analysis Techniques Research Articles

Biogenic synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles from Aloe barbadensis extract: Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes

The synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) through biogenic means offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, stable, versatile, and biocompatible approach. In this work, we employed Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf extract for the biosynthesis of Co3O4 NPs, leveraging its rich composition of phenolic groups, polysaccharides, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and various acids. The characterization of the synthesized NPs was performed using XRD, TEM, EDS, FT-IR, TGA-DSC, Raman, XPS, and particle size analysis techniques. Our investigation focuses on evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Co3O4 NPs. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and FICA assays, demonstrating the NPs' ability to scavenge free radicals, reduce ferric ions, and chelate ferrous ions. Antimicrobial testing revealed the effectiveness of NPs against Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, biogenic Co3O4 NPs were utilized as photocatalysts for the degradation of azo dyes (RhB, MB, and CV). Under sunlight exposure for 105 min, biogenic Co3O4 NPs degraded CV dyes by 97.53%. The study also highlighted the remarkable efficiency of azo dye degradation across five cycles of reuse of biogenic Co3O4 NP reuse.

A comprehensive review of particle size analysis techniques

A comprehensive review of particle size analysis techniques

Effect of high temperature modification on the highly adsorptive manufactured sand dust concrete

The production process of manufactured sand generates a large amount of dust, which poses a serious threat to the environment. In this study, we selected highly adsorptive manufactured sand dust of three lithologies (diabase, tuff, and basalt) for high temperature calcination. We evaluated its mechanical properties and microstructures after high temperature modification using various characterization methods to investigate its feasibility as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). A comparative analysis of the manufactured sand dust before and after modification was conducted using thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) techniques, the results showed that high temperature modification can reduce the crystallinity of the mineral impurities in the manufactured sand dust. Furthermore, the average particle size of artificial sand dust from all three lithologies (diabase, tuff, and basalt) was reduced. However, the flowability of the mortars increased by 12.1%, 7.4%, and 6.4% respectively. The 28-day volcanic ash activity index reached 63%, 61%, and 60% respectively. In addition, we used the modified manufactured sand dust as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete. It was found that when 30% of cement was replaced with a 1:2 mixture of manufactured sand dust and fly ash, the compressive strength at 90 days reached a maximum of 90.6 MPa. These results demonstrate that the modified manufactured sand dust has certain economic benefits and can be used to partially replace cement in concrete. This provides a basis for the development and application of highly adsorptive manufactured sand in the long term.

Construction of a Ternary Composite Colloidal Structure of Zein/Soy Protein Isolate/Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose to Deliver Curcumin and Improve Its Bioavailability.

This work presents the fabrication of ternary nanoparticles (Z/S/C NPs) comprising zein (Z), soy protein isolate (SPI) and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) through a pH-driven method. The results showed that the smallest particle size (71.41 nm) and the most stable zeta potential, measuring -49.97 mV, were achieved with the following ratio of ternary nanoparticles Z/SPI/CMC-Na (2:3:3). The surface morphology of the nanoparticles was further analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, and the synthesized nanoparticles were utilized to encapsulate curcumin (Cur), a hydrophobic, bioactive compound. The nanoparticles were characterized using a particle size analyzer, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results revealed that the formation of nanoparticles and the encapsulation of Cur were driven by electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The drug loading efficiency (EE%) of Z/S/C-cur nanoparticles reached 90.90%. The Z/S/C ternary nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced storage stability, photostability and simulated the gastrointestinal digestion of Cur. The release of Cur and variations in the particle size of nanoparticles were investigated across different stages of digestion. The biocompatibility of the Z/S/C ternary nanoparticles was assessed by conducting cell viability assays on HepG2 and L-O2 cells, which showed no signs of cytotoxicity. These results suggested that the ternary composite nanoparticles have potential in delivering nutritional foods and health-promoting bioactive substances.

NdB6 ceramic nanoparticles: First principles calculations, mechanochemical synthesis and strain engineering

Borides are usually hard and brittle materials; however, we report the synthesis of superplastic nanostructured NdB6 ceramic powders, counter to the conventional wisdom that borides are always brittle. We investigate that through strain engineering, NdB6 can be made extremely ductile if the lattice is compressively strained and highly defected, based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In this study, the synthesis conditions were designed based on CALPHAD modelling, and the superplastic NdB6 powders were successfully obtained through mechanochemical synthesis (MCS) of Nd2O3, B2O3 and Mg initial materials in a high-energy ball mill. Following MCS, the powders were purified in a hydrochloric acid (HCl) containing aqueous solution in order to leach out MgO by-product. The purified powders were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Helium (He) gas pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analysis (PSA) and magnetometry techniques, which demonstrated NdB6 nanoparticles with an average particle size of 118 nm belonging paramagnetic behavior at cryogenic temperatures. DFT calculations have been carried out through to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, thermodynamic and magnetic properties of NdB6. The impact of various defects was examined, which revealed the significance of boron vacancies and compressive strains in the superplastic form of NdB6.

Synergetic effects of initial NH4+ and Ca2+ concentration on the formation vaterite using steamed ammonia liquid waste as a direct carbonation

Vaterite-phase calcium carbonate (CaCO3) has many distinctive properties compared to calcite and aragonite-type polymorphs, but vaterite is typically difficult to form in a naturally occurring reaction system. In this investigation, the effects of initial NH4+ and Ca2+ concentrations on crystal structure, morphology, particle size, and vaterite content were systematically investigated. The obtained vaterite samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser particle size analysis (LPSA) techniques. High concentrations of NH4+ and Ca2+ are both advantageous to the formation of vaterite, and high concentrations of NH4+ and Ca2+ play an evident synergistic role in the formation of single phase vaterite. On the basis of an analysis of the properties of the initial reaction system in the presence of varying concentrations of NH4+ and Ca2+, a potential mechanism NH4+ and Ca2+ for vaterite formation is revealed.

Synthesis, Characterisation and Utilisation of Magnetic Fe3O4 – TGT Nanocomposite in the Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solutions

Magnetic Adsorption Separation (MAS) method is an ideal substitute for the environmental clean-up process. Magnetic material embedded with natural litter material is a facile route to achieve maximum adsorptive ability at a lower dosage, contact time and increased chance of metal-laden adsorbents’ recovery from aqueous matrices. In the present study, the synthesis of Fe3O4–TGT composite (TGT- C2) by the auto combustion method and its employment for Pb(II) removal from aqueous solutions is discussed. TGT- C2 is characterised using VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometer), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), Particle Size Analyzer, EDAX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectrophotometer) techniques. TGT- C2 is found to be magnetic in nature and their saturation magnetization (Ms)/ Coercivity (Hc) values are calculated as 1.54 emu g-1/139.83 G, respectively, being less than bare Fe3O4. The synthesised nanocomposite registered a maximum of 98% sequestration of Pb(II) ions under the optimised conditions of 100 mg/L initial metal ion concentration, 10 min agitation time, 50 mg dosage and pH 5 environment. Isothermal verification, the kinetics of adsorption and successive desorption/ regeneration cycles were performed. The outcomes support the preparation of bio-nanocomposites from animal waste was successful in the efficient trapping of divalent metal ions.

Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nano-Carriers for Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Hydrophobic Drug to Enhance the Bioavailability and Antimicrobial Properties.

This study focusses on the fabrication of nano-carriers for delivery of ciprofloxacin through the nanoprecipitation process. This was done to examine the release of drug at the pH of stomach to find out the antibacterial action of ciprofloxacin loaded nanoparticles (NPs). Prepared NPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and particle size analyzer (PSA) techniques. Drug yield, loading, and sustained release was studied as function of time (up to 8 h). Antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin loaded NPs were also determined against different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Results revealed that nanoprecipitation is a suitable method for encapsulation of ciprofloxacin in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA NPs. The drug yield and drug loading were found to be 60%. The size range of NPs observed by PSA was in the range of 5.03-6.60nm. It can be concluded that nanoformulation of ciprofloxacin loaded PLGA NPs can be used in stomach for longer period of time to enhance the bioavailability of the drug.

Fabrication of baicalein-encapsulated zeolitic imidazole framework as a novel nanocomposited wound closure material to persuade pH-responsive healing efficacy in post-caesarean section wound care.

Baicalein is a plant-derived compound, it has widespread attention among biomedical researchers due to its biocompatibility and efficient biological activities. But it has non-solubility in physiological conditions and short bioavailability in the clinical process. The Discovery of a stimuli-based drug delivery system (DDS) is a perfect strategy to improve the bioactivity of baicalin in post-caesarean section wound care. We prepared a baicalein-encapsulated pH-responsive DDS with a zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a carrier. We investigated the material characteristics of DDS in terms of crystal structure, surface area morphology, particle size, FTIR, UV-vis, Powder XRD, and BET analysis techniques. The in vitro cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and cell proliferation properties of BA@ZIF-8 were assessed against human fibroblast L929 cells. In vitro studies showed that BA@ZIF-8 nanocomposite significantly enhanced the biocompatibility against L929 cells after 72 h post-exposure. The pH-responsive drug release kinetics shows excellent baicalein release under acidic conditions and without unwanted drug release in physiological conditions. Wound scratch assay results revealed, that BA@ZIF-8 nanocomposite-treated cells exhibit the fastest cell proliferation and migration process in a very short period. In the antibacterial activity study, nanocomposite exposed dose depended on inhibition against wound infectious pathogens. The overall study signifies that BA@ZIF-8 nano-DDSs are effective and suitable DDS for stimuli-based post-caesarean section wound care.

Optimization of Betulin Colloidal Aqueous Suspension Pretreatment for Determination of Particle Characteristics

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a well-established technique to analyze particle size in a liquid medium and sample preparation is an essential step of the analysis to obtain reliable data. In this study, the pretreatment of an aqueous suspension containing betulin particles was studied to characterize the colloidal betulin particles in supramolecular hydrogels obtained by the liquid antisolvent precipitation from purified and unpurified betulin samples. Parameters of two-step homogenization process using rotor and ultrasonic homogenizer, particle concentration, and pH were systematically varied to obtain stable aqueous suspensions that meet the requirements of DLS technique for good particle size analysis. It was found that the purified betulin particles have a higher tendency to agglomerate and their suspension is stable in a narrower concentration and pH range than unpurified. Particle size analysis in suspensions prepared independently shows good reproducibility of sample preparation.

Preparation of a New Type of Epoxy Resin for Sports Equipment

This study employed an oil-in-water (O/M) emulsion to create microcapsules with urea-formaldehyde resincoated modified epoxy resin core material using a one-step in-situ polymerization approach. The drawback of utilizing n-butyl glycidyl ether (501) as a modified epoxy resin diluent. The impacts of several process factors on the size distribution, average diameter, and surface morphology of microcapsules were explored in this article, including heating rate, stirring rate, reactant ratio, and concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope (OM), laser particle size analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TG), and other techniques were used to investigate the chemical structure, surface morphology, and particle size of the microcapsules. The findings reveal that the microcapsules’ performance has substantially improved, providing a theoretical foundation for their widespread use.

Mechanochemical synthesis investigations on the ternary and quaternary B2O3/TiO2/Mg/C systems

In this study, mechanochemical synthesis (MCS) was performed on the ternary and quaternary B2O3/TiO2/Mg/C system in order to investigate the probable reaction products. As being a high-energy ball milling (HEBM) technique, MCS was conducted on the B2O3–TiO2–Mg, B2O3–Mg–C and B2O3–TiO2–Mg–C powder blends. Various milling times were applied for MCS optimization. Besides, the effect of excess amount of Mg on the MCS process was investigated. Subsequently, a purification step was carried out on the milled powders to remove MgO by-product. The MgO content in the as-synthesized powders was leached out using 6 M HCl solution. Thermodynamic evaluations were made utilizing both the FactSage 7.1 and HSC thermochemical software to predict the reactions and products for each system. The as-synthesized and purified powders were characterized by using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analysis (PSA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Pure TiB2, B4C and TiC–TiB2 powders were synthesized from stoichiometric B2O3–TiO2–Mg, B2O3–Mg–C and B2O3–TiO2–Mg–C powder blends after MCS for 4 h, 10 h and 6 h, respectively. High purity TiB2, B4C and TiC–TiB2 powders were obtained with an average particle size of 50.20 nm, 330 nm and 17 nm, respectively.

Triglyceride Conversion of Waste Frying Oil up to 98.46% Using Low Concentration K+/CaO Catalysts Derived from Eggshells.

In this study, biodiesel, also known as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), was synthesized from multi-stage frying waste soybean oil using chicken eggshell-derived CaO and potassium-impregnated K+-CaO heterogeneous catalysts. Potassium-impregnated catalysts (1.25% K+-CaO, 2.5% K+-CaO, and 5% K+-CaO) were developed by treating the calcined waste eggshell powder with KOH in different wt % ratios. The catalysts were characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDS, BET, and particle size analysis techniques. Box–Behnken design-based optimization was exploited to optimize the reaction parameters. A maximum yield of 98.46%, calculated via 1H NMR, was achieved following a 5% K+ doping, 12:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 3% catalyst amount, 180 min reaction time, and 65 °C reaction temperature. The catalyst (5% K+-CaO) responsible for maximum biodiesel production was found to be highly reusable, with a 30.42% conversion decrease in activity after eight cycles of reuse. Gas chromatography was used to determine the composition of FAME produced from different cycles of waste soybean oil. Physicochemical parameters of the synthesized biodiesel were found to be compatible with EN and ASTM standards. This study has shown that the waste eggshell-derived heterogeneous catalysts have significant catalytic activity at relatively low K+ doping and catalyst loading leading to high biodiesel conversion.

Synthesis, structure and ionic conductivity of nanocrystalline Ce1−xLaxO2−δ as an electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

La-doped CeO2 nanoparticles of composition Ce1−xLaxO2−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) have been studied here as prospective electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). They were synthesized by auto-combustion method and the powder samples were calcined at 700 °C to get ultrafine nanocrystalline particles. They were characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR, XPS, DRS, FESEM/EDX, particle size analyzer and ac-impedance techniques. Ionic conductivity was measured from 350 − 750 °C. The Ce0.90La0.1O2−δ (0.1 LDC) and Ce0.95La0.05O2−δ (0.05 LDC) showed a maximum conductivity of 8.89 × 10−3 and 8.32 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 700 °C, respectively. The σt of 0.1 LDC = 1.01 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 750 °C. The activation energy of 0.1 LDC and 0.05 LDC was found to be 0.70 eV and 0.87 eV, respectively. These values are higher than those reported for La-doped CeO2 in literature. The SOFC performance with 0.05 LDC as electrolyte showed open circuit voltage of 0.81 V and maximum power density of 41 mW cm−2 at 650 °C using hydrogen as fuel.

The Inadvertent Activation of Silicate Minerals Flotation and Their Depression in Molybdenite Beneficiation

The Wushan Operation has been studied as a case study, particularly relevant to the copper-molybdenum separation circuit, in which efforts have been made to improve the quality of the molybdenum concentrate through diagnostic analysis. A key finding has been the appearance of coarser silicate minerals in the molybdenum concentrate due to their inadvertent activation in flotation. The suitable silicate minerals flotation conditions occurs, most likely, due to upstream bulk flotation regarding the usage of novel collectors and metal cations bearing process water. The flotation of silicate minerals can be diminished by the implementation of water glass and regrinding. The mechanisms underlying flotation behaviors have been revealed by using advanced in-situ surface analysis and particle size analysis techniques.

Enhanced regeneration of spent FCC catalyst by using oxalic acid-sulfuric acid mixture under ultrasonic irradiation

An effective method comprising the immersion in dilute sulfuric acid and the leaching in a mixture of sulfuric acid and oxalic acid under ultrasonic irradiation is provided to improve the removal effect of harmful metals in spent FCC catalyst without destroying the zeolite Y framework and the microstructure of spent catalyst particle. The influence of different experimental conditions on the regeneration effect of spent catalyst is studied by using SEM, EPMA-EDX, XRD, ICP, N2 adsorption, and particle size analysis techniques. The experimental results show that immersion in sulfuric acid can effectively restore blocked pores and increase the specific surface area of spent catalyst by 51.7% compared with the untreated spent catalyst, which is beneficial to the subsequent acid leaching. After leaching in a mixture of 0.5 mol/L oxalic acid and 2 wt.% sulfuric acid for 30 min at 70 °C with an ultrasonic power of 250 W, the regenerated catalyst with complete particle structure and zeolite Y framework is obtained with the removing rates of Fe, V, and Ni being 36.2, 43.8 and 30.1%, respectively, whereas Al loss is only 7.9%. Compared with conventional leaching, ultrasonic assisted leaching only needs 1/4 of the time to achieve much the same harmful metal removal effect and has superior advantages in retaining the integrity of particles.

Classification and identification of different minerals in the Mediterranean sediments using PSA, FTIR, and XRD techniques

While the Mediterranean coastal region of the Nile Delta is critical socioeconomically, it is under significant environmental stress due to the growing load from diverse land-based activities. This study examines the fluctuations in the concentrations of several minerals in sediments from depths ranging from 10 to 50 m. This study is considering the first work that carries the identification of different minerals by using two different techniques: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), in this area. At the same time, the particle size was also assessed. The particle size analyzer (PSA) results showed that the grain size analyses in the sediments varied between slightly gravelly sand, slightly gravelly mud, and silty sand. Mineral identification using FTIR and XRD analysis proved that some minerals such as aragonite, calcite, quartz, kaolinite, montmorillonite, albite, muscovite, and microcline have been presented in most of the studied locations.

Artemether-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: preparation, characterization, and evaluation of in vitro effect on Leishmania major.

Background and purpose:Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a global health problem. The discovery of new and highly efficient anti-leishmanial treatments with lower toxicity is globally needed. The current study was carried out to evaluate the anti-leishmanial effects of artemether (ART) and ART-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (ART-NLCs) against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major.Experimental approach:Solvent diffusion evaporation technique was applied to prepare ART-NLCs. These nanoparticles were characterized using a particle size analyzer (PSA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The antiparasitic activity on amastigote was assessed in J774 cell culture. The drug cytotoxicity on promastigote and macrophage was assessed using the MTT technique after 24 and 48 h and compared with NLCs, ART, and amphotericin B, as the control agents. The selectivity index was calculated for the agents.Findings/Results:The DLS and PSA techniques confirmed that ART-NLCs were homogenous in size with an average diameter of 101 ± 2.0 nm and span index of 0.9. The ART-NLCs significantly heighten the anti-leishmanial activity of ART (P < 0.001). The IC50 values of ART and ART-NLCs on promastigotes after 24 and 48 h were 76.08, 36.71 and 35.14, 14.81 μg/mL, respectively while they were calculated 53.97, 25.43 and 20.13, 11.92 for amastigotes. Also, ART-NLCs had the lowest cytotoxicity against macrophages. Furthermore, among the agents tested, ART-NLCs had the highest selectivity index.Conclusion and implications:ART-NLCs had lower cytotoxic effects than ART and amphotericin B, also its selectivity index was significantly higher. Based on the findings of the study, this formulation could be a promising candidate for further research into leishmaniasis treatment.

Origin and characterization of clay deposits in the Dupi Tila Formation of the Bengal Basin, Bangladesh

Clay is one of the most important minerals having both geological and industrial significance. Clay lenses in the Dupi Tila Formation of the Bengal Basin have been investigated to characterize and determine their origin in terms of geological environment. Clay samples have been collected from the fresh cropped surface from the areas of Dupigaon (Jaintiapur Clay), Birisiri (Bijoypur Clay), and Bandarban (Bandarban Clay) in Bangladesh. Characterizations of the clay deposits have been carried out by field investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analysis techniques, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Field investigation shows that clays are white, yellowish to variegated in color with a thickness of 15 cm to about 4 m, and moderately soft. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that kaolinite is the predominant clay mineral in all samples with minor amounts of quartz and feldspar. SEM analysis indicates that abundant tiny disc and irregular shape of kaolinite crystals are mixed with sparse gathers of K-feldspar and detrital quartz grains. The presence of silt in all the clay samples has been verified by the gran size ranges from laser particle size analysis. The grittiness is the result of the deposition of silt considering the highest percentage in Bandarban and Bijoypur and lowers in Jaintiapur. The XRF analysis shows that SiO2 (68–75%) is the most abundant among major oxides, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 come next, along with the lower percentage of MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, P2O5, and SO3. The average concentration of different trace elements has been ranging from 3 to 430 ppm. Several geochemical indices suggest that the sediments might be derived from the Shillong plateau and the Himalayas in the north and the Naga-Lushai-China Hill-Arakan Yoma mobile belt in the northeast, which are highly weathered sedimentary terrains. Provenance studies and elemental ratio supports the evidence of the felsic origin of the studied sample. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) value of 93% indicates the occurrence of significant weathering in different sediment recycling phases. From the results of the aforementioned analyses, it is clear that clay lenses in the Dupi Tila Formation are in-situ in origin and parent materials are detrital rather than authigenic nature confirmed by the presence of detrital quartz and reviewing the depositional environment, which gives us the insights of the geological condition of that time as well as the possible mode of sediment transportation.

Synthesis and Consolidation of Ag/ZnO Composite Powders via SPS Method

The present research was conducted to synthesize and densify Ag/8wt.% ZnO composites via co-precipitation and spark plasma sintering (SPS) methods. The initial precipitates were precipitated by adding ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution to a solution mixture of silver and zinc nitrate. The precipitates were characterized by using the particle size analyzer and X-ray diffraction techniques. The precipitates were calcined at 500°C and consolidated with SPS method for 5 and 10 min at 540°C under 35 MPa in vacuum. The results showed that rearrangement and bulk deformation had a significant effect on densification of the composite powders. The scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed that the SPSed composites had nearly dense microstructures with homogenous and fine dispersion of ZnO particles within the silver matrix. Moreover, it was confirmed that prolonging the sintering time from 5 to 10 min had no significant effect on the microstructure, relative density and hardness of the samples. Composites with relative densities above 99% and 62 HV hardness were synthesized through the applied procedure.