ABSTRACT
Due to environmental concerns and budgetary constraints associated with synthetic fibers, natural fibers (NFr) are becoming increasingly popular as reinforcement in polymer composites (PCs) for structural components and construction materials. The surface treatment (ST) method is a well-established technique for enhancing the strength of interfacial bonding between NFr and the polymer matrix (PM). As a result, this research aims to determine the effect of ST with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the flexural properties of unsaturated polyester (UPE)/kenaf fiber (KF) nanocomposites. The hand lay-up technique was employed to produce KF-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites (KF/UPE) for this investigation. UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites were made with varying NFr loadings (weight percent), ranging from 10 to 40%. KF was treated with five distinct amounts of ZnONPs (from 1 to 5% weight percent). According to the findings of the investigation, the composite samples incorporating ZnONPs displayed superior optimum flexural properties compared to the untreated KF composite. It was found that 2% ZnONPs was optimal, and ST with ZnONPs could produce robust KF with improved flexural properties.
ABSTRACT
Bone plates are essential for bone fracture healing because they modify the biomechanical microenvironment at the fracture site to provide the necessary mechanical fixation for fracture fragments. The objective of this study was to determine cell availability, antibacterial activity, and wettability through a contact angle test. However, biocomposites that involve UHMWPE reinforced with n-HA and n-TiO2 particles at different fractions (0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5%) and 5% from carbon and Kevlar fibers were fabricated by hot pressing technique. In vitro studies revealed good cell viability on the surface of the hybrid biocomposite even after 72 hr. The UHMEPE nanocomposite reinforced with carbon showed better cell attachment for fibroblasts than other UHMWPE nanocomposite materials reinforced with Kevlar fiber. The results of the contact angle measurements indicated that the incorporation of nanoparticles and the fiber reinforcement increased the wettability due to the hydrophilic character of nanobiocomposite, and also (UHMWPE-4.5% wt. TiO2-CF) biocomposite was the best wettability (â¼48% as compared to neat UHMWPE). Antibacterial experiments involving Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, confirm excellent bactericidal property for (UHMWPE-4.5% wt. TiO2-CF) biocomposite. Thermal analysis of the produced nanocomposites revealed that they had higher melting and crystallinity temperatures than pure UHMWPE.
