Examining the Rheological Properties of 3-D Fiber Infused Gels with Silver Nanoparticles (SRET 2019)

Research Summary Poster

Collaborators

  • Tiara Davis, Science Teacher, Sedgefield Middle School
  • Za’qoya Richardson, JCSU Student Researcher
  • Tracy Brown, Ph. D, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Johnson C. Smith University
  • Todd Coolbaugh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Johnson C. Smith University

Research Abstract

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) can yield particles ranging in size from 1 to100 nm. Silver NPs have major applications in the medical field including diagnostic and antimicrobial properties. One of the drawbacks to making silver NPs is the toxicity associated with the chemicals used to make them, including chemical reducing agents such as trisodium citrate or sodium borohydride. Herein, we will discuss a green method through photo catalytic catalysis synthesis of formulating cellulose Nano fiber gels embedded with silver Ag NPs. Using the bottom up method, materials containing desired precursors mixed in a control setting, colloidal solutions of cellulose Nano fibers with increasing amounts of silver nitrate were used to prepare 3-D fiber infused gels with silver Ag NPs. Using viscosity measurements, the rheological properties of viscosity (η), storage (Gʹ) and loss moduli (Gʺ) provided critical, yet insightful information of the 3-D fiber infused gel structure with Ag NPs, when stress and strain are applied.