I.S. Ramakoti, N. Gouda, A.K. Panda
Centurion University of Technology and management,
India
Keywords: nanoceria, polypropylene, nanocomposites, thermal properties, antibacterial activity
Summary:
This study explored the effect of cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites made from discarded PP. Using the solution casting method, nanocomposites with 0–3 wt.% CeO₂ were synthesised. Characterisation revealed enhanced thermal stability (up to 13.10%), improved mechanical properties, including a 30% increase in tensile strength, and superior antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, particularly at 2 wt.% CeO₂ concentration. These results demonstrate the potential of PP/CeO₂ nanocomposites for advanced applications.