Influence of Plant Additives on Antimicrobial Properties of Glass-Fabric-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Used in Railway Transport

The aim of this research was to explore the innovative use of natural additives, containing phytochemicals with proven antimicrobial effects, in the production of epoxy-glass composites. This study was based on information regarding the antimicrobial effects of phytochemicals present in <i>Cistus incanus</i>, <i>Zingiber officinale</i>, and <i>Armoracia rusticana</i>. The additives were subjected to a gas chromatography (GC) analysis to determine their composition, and, subsequently, they were used to prepare resin mixtures and to produce epoxy-glass composites. Samples of the modified materials were tested against <i>E. coli</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, and <i>C. albicans</i>. In addition, flammability and durability tests were also performed. It was found that the strongest biocidal properties were demonstrated by the material with the addition of cistus, which caused a reduction of microorganisms by 2.13 log units (<i>S. aureus</i>), 1.51 log units (<i>E. coli</i>), and 0.81 log units (<i>C. albicans</i>). The same material also achieved the most favorable results of strength tests, with the values of flexural strength and tensile strength reaching 390 MPa and 280 MPa, respectively. Public transport is a place particularly exposed to various types of pathogens. Currently, there are no solutions on the railway market that involve the use of composites modified in this respect.