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In the current investigation, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles were sustainably synthesized utilizing an extract derived from the Rumex dentatus plant through a green synthesis approach. The Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to examine the compositional, morphological, optical, and thermal properties of both samples. The doping of iron into ZnO NPs has significantly influenced their properties. The analysis firmly established that both ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs have hexagonal wurtzite structures and spherical shapes by XRD and SEM. The EDX analysis suggests that iron atoms have been successfully integrated into the ZnO lattice. The change in color observed during the reaction indicated the formation of nanoparticles. The UV–vis peaks at 364 nm and 314 nm confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs, respectively. The band gap of ZnO NPs by Fe dopant displayed a narrowing effect. This indicates that adding iron ions to ZnO NPs offers a control band gap. The thermal study TGA revealed that Fe-doped ZnO NPs remain stable when heated up to 600 °C. The antibacterial efficacy of ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs was evaluated against several bacterial strains. The evaluation is based on the zone of inhibition (ZOI). Both samples exhibited excellent antibacterial properties as compared to conventional pharmaceutical agents. These results suggest that synthesizing nanoparticles through plant-based methods is a promising approach to creating versatile and environmentally friendly biomedical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims at investigating the idea of anti‐bacterial self‐healing coatings based on polyurea formaldehyde microcapsules (MCs), with the repair agent being ZnO‐containing linseed oil. ZnO nanoparticles were added to the repair agent with the idea of developing an antibacterial coating. The idea was to entrap some ZnO nanoparticles inside microcapsules, aiming for some local release of ZnO nanoparticles where the coating is damaged. The corrosion resistances of the coatings were studied using the Tafel polarization test. The structure of the coating samples was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. To check the antibacterial properties of ZnO‐containing self‐healing samples, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were used. Results showed that ZnO nanoparticles were distributed not only inside microcapsules but also over the walls, inferring that overall protection can also be attained in addition to local anti‐bacterial performance. Results showed that the proposed multi‐functional coating has promising antibacterial and self‐healing responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The effect of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on the mechanical and thermal properties of ground waste concrete inorganic polymers (GWC IPs) has been investigated. NPs are added to GWC IPs at loadings of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2% w/w. The phase composition and microstructure of NPs GWC IPs have also been examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) techniques. Results show that the mechanical properties of GWC IPs are improved (23 MPa) due to addition of NPs (1% ZnO). In particular, GWC IPs embedded with 0.5% CuO and 1% ZnO NPs exhibited relatively improved compressive strength. The addition of NPs decreases the macroporosity and increases the mesoporosity of IPs matrix and decreases relatively the ability of IPs matrix to water absorption. The antimicrobial activity of GWC IPs doped with 0.5 and 1% CuO NPs against E. coli was also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]