Influence of silver nanoparticles on mechanical and antimicrobial properties of selected reinforced PC and HDPE composites
 
More details
Hide details
1
Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów, Poland
 
2
Spyra Prime Sp. z o.o., Przelotowa 33, 43-190 Mikołów, Poland
 
3
Department of Laryngology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Francuska 20-24, 40-027 Katowice, Poland
 
4
Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2025-06-25
 
 
Acceptance date: 2025-08-01
 
 
Publication date: 2025-08-06
 
 
Engineering of Biomaterials 2025;(173):08
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of polycarbonate (PC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites reinforced with glass (GF), basalt (BF), carbon (CF), and cellulose (CEL) fibres. The mechanical properties of the composites were rigorously assessed by quantifying parameters such as impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break. This evaluation was performed in strict adherence to ASTM standards, ensuring reliability and consistency of the obtained data. The results demonstrated that fibre reinforcements enhanced the tensile strength of the composites, but resulted in reductions in both impact strength and elongation at break, particularly in composites containing cellulose. The addition of AgNPs further decreased impact strength and elongation at break, while slightly reducing tensile strength. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated using bacterial strains Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Composites reinforced with glass fibre and AgNPs exhibited the highest antimicrobial efficacy compared to those containing AgNPs combined with cellulose, carbon, or basalt fibres. These findings suggest that while AgNPs enhance the antimicrobial properties, they may compromise the mechanical integrity of fibre-reinforced composites. The study contributes to the development of advanced composites with multifunctional properties for medical, sports, aerospace, construction, and engineering applications.
eISSN:3071-7825
ISSN:1429-7248
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top