Silver nanoparticles reinforced polyethersulfone composite for sustainable application

Abstract Polyethersulfone composites reinforced with biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were fabricated via compression molding at 30 GPa and 250 °C, with nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 wt.%. Neem leaf extract served as the bioreducing agent in AgNP synthesis. Characterization using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of spherical AgNPs with an average size of approximately 21 nm and a face-centered cubic structure. Mechanical testing revealed significant property improvements with the addition of AgNPs compared to the control. The 2 wt.% AgNP composite demonstrated optimal properties, including a 120% increase in tensile strength, a 246% increase in flexural strength, a 43.18% increase in hardness, and a 127% increase in impact resistance. The 2.5 wt.% AgNP composite exhibited optimum hardness and a 247% increase in flexural modulus, while the 3.0 wt.% AgNP composite had the highest tensile modulus with a 105% increase. These enhanced mechanical properties make the 2 wt.% AgNP composite suitable for demanding sustainable engineering applications, such as automotive systems, with the potential to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. Additionally, it holds promise in renewable energy systems for cleaner energy generation and in water purification systems for use in filters or membranes, highlighting the potential of bio-synthesized AgNPs in advanced materials development.