Silver-functionalized 2D nanomaterials for epoxy nanocomposites (RIP2026-00018)

Mark Pasciolco, John Loui Tadia, Francis Eric Almaquer, Wei Han, King Lun Yeung

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Biofouling and corrosion are the major problems that water distribution networks around the globe are currently facing. One of the most economically efficient ways to solve these is the application of internal lining in pipes. Epoxy nanocomposite has been widely studied due to a myriad of possible nanofillers and additives like 2D nanomaterials that can be incorporated into the epoxy matrix improve its mechanical, antibiofouling, and anticorrosion properties. This study would like to explore the use of silver, a known antibacterial agent, in functionalizing 2D nanomaterials. Exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were functionalized with silver nanoparticles via modified Creighton method. SEM-EDS images showed that silver nanoparticles were successfully embedded on the surface of both MMT and h-BN. TEM images was utilized to measure the diameter of silver nanoparticles. The median particle diameter of embedded silver nanoparticles for MMT and h-BN is around 25 and 11 nm, respectively. Bactericidal test was done at 10 mg/mL and it achieved >1 log reduction (>90% reduction) against E. coli and S. aureus after 30-minute contact time. Thus, the functionalized nanomaterials can be further investigated to be incorporated into epoxy coating to improve its antibiofouling and anticorrosion property.