ZnO-SiO2 nanohybrid decorated sustainable geopolymer retaining anti-biodeterioration activity with improved durability

In this study, application of zinc oxide–silica nanohybrid based sustainable geopolymer (GMZnO–Si) has been investigated for the development of a sustainable, anti-biodeteriorate cementitious material having significant mechanical strength and durability. Initially, zinc oxide nano-rods (ZnO NRs) have been synthesized and spherical silica nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of ZnO NRs. The ZnO-SiO2 composite was characterized by various techniques (FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDS, TEM, and XPS). Ambient temperature cured GMZnO–Si mortar was further explored in terms of mechanical strength, durability, mechanistic anti-microbial (E. coli, S. aureus, A. niger) influences. Mechanical properties of GMZnO–Si are found significantly higher than that of control samples. MIC, MBC, and MFC results demonstrate enhanced anti-microbial efficacy of GMZnO-Si. Inner permeability assay, reactive oxygen species generation and microscopic images of cell wall rupture and DNA damage studies supported the detailed understanding of anti-microbial activities. These experimental findings suggest that incorporation of ZnO-SiO2 hybrid in geopolymer will pave the way for biodeterioration resistant concrete with enhanced mechanical and structural behaviour.Graphical abstractZnO-SiO2 nano-hybrid modified geopolymer – An eco-friendly anti-biogenic-deteriorate durable sustainable building composite.
Source: Materials Science and Engineering: C - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research