Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference

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Influence of Biogenic Nano Silica-Carbon Hybrid on Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Polymer

Faculty #35
Discipline:
Subcategory: STEM Research

Vijaya Rangari - Tuskegee university
Co-Author(s): Manik C. Biswas and Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University


In this study, 3D printed flexible Ecoflex thin films integrated with biogenic silica-carbon nanoparticles (SCNPs), were investigated to determine the influence of the silica-carbon material on the thermal and mechanical properties of biopolymer. The high pressure hydrothermally synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by means of X-ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, FTIR and TEM analysis and revealed the formation of crystalline cristobalite nano silica-amorphous carbon hybrid material. BET surface area measurement showed the highest surface area (706.23 m2/g) of the nanoparticles. The composites were also characterized by DSC, TGA, X-ray Diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, SEM and Tensile analysis. The TEM analysis of the composites identified the nanoparticles in the biopolymer while SEM proved the microstructure of the composites. TGA and Tensile test revealed significant enhancement in thermal stability, maximum strain and strain to failure properties due to the integration of 0.5 and 1.0 wt. % silica-carbon nano particles (SCNPs). Also DSC analysis showed the moderate improvement of glass transition temperature and crystallization temperature of neat polymer due to the incorporation of high temperature silica nanoparticles.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): The authors acknowledge the financial support of NSF-RISE # 1459007 and NSF-CREST#1137681 grants.

Faculty Advisor: None Listed,

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.