Toward Sustainable Polyurethane Foams: Effects of Corn Cob Fibers and Silver Nanoparticles on Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity

Polyurethane foams (PFs) are widely used in mattresses, upholstery, and insulation, but disposal is difficult due to the disintegration time and environmental hazards of synthetic polyol. This work investigates a sustainable alternative by replacing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with corn cob fibers and incorporating antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Corn cob fibers and sodium hydroxide-treated fibers were used to make foams, with corn cob fibers substituting PEG at 5-30 wt %. In terms of durability and elastic modulus, low-fiber-content foams matched nonfiber counterparts. Higher fiber content (more than 20%) resulted in divergent properties with potential benefits. In terms of viscoelastic qualities, foams with a 15% fiber content outperformed nonfiber foam. Antimicrobial testing revealed that AgNP-infused foams with 15% corn cob fibers effectively inhibited microbiological growth.