Work

Toward Sustainable Polyurethane Foams: Effects of Corn Cob Fibers and Silver Nanoparticles on Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Polyurethane foams (PFs) are widely used in mattresses, upholstery, and insulation, but disposal is difficult due to the disintegration time and environmental hazards of synthetic polyol. This work investigates a sustainable alternative by replacing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with corn cob fibers and incorporating antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Corn cob fibers and sodium hydroxide-treated fibers were used to make foams, with corn cob fibers substituting PEG at 5-30 wt %. In terms of durability and elastic modulus, low-fiber-content foams matched nonfiber counterparts. Higher fiber content (more than 20%) resulted in divergent properties with potential benefits. In terms of viscoelastic qualities, foams with a 15% fiber content outperformed nonfiber foam. Antimicrobial testing revealed that AgNP-infused foams with 15% corn cob fibers effectively inhibited microbiological growth.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07118