Work

Fabrication and Characterization of Bamboo Fiber/Carbon nanotubes/Graphene oxide Reinforced Polyethylene glycol Composites for Advanced Packaging Applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based composites reinforced with bamboo fibers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated via compression moulding and evaluated for mechanical and antibacterial performance, targeting advanced packaging applications. Four formulations were developed: A (bamboo/PEG), B (bamboo/PEG + CNT), C (bamboo/PEG + GO), and D (bamboo/PEG + CNT + GO). Compared to pure PEG, tensile strength improved by up to 128 % (91.52 MPa for A), Young's modulus by up to 89 % (754.89 MPa for D), and flexural strength by up to 146 % (98.68 MPa for D). Impact strength increased by up to 278 % (0.927 J/mm² for D), while surface hardness rose by up to 675 % (19.37 GPa for D). Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was significantly enhanced, with inhibition zones increasing by up to 140 % in the hybrid composite D (24 mm and 22 mm, respectively) compared to pure PEG. The results demonstrate that hybrid micro–nano reinforcement, combining bamboo fibres, CNTs, and GO, provides a balanced enhancement in stiffness, toughness, surface resistance, and antimicrobial function, offering a multifunctional and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials.

Source: Next Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101488

Authors: Shalom N, Stanley Jones Retnam B, Edwin Sahayaraj M, Dev Anand M, Raja S, Jinsha Lawrence

Institutions: Noorul Islam University, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280