The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with the small size and high stability paved the way to improve and protect the environment by decreasing the use of toxic chemicals and eliminating biological risks in biomedical applications. Plant mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles is gaining more importance owing its simplicity, rapid rate of synthesis of nanoparticles and eco-friendliness. In this study, focus on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Polygonum hydropiper extract and its catalytic degradation of hazardous dye, methylene blue has been highlighted. The rapid reduction of silver (Ag) ions was monitored using UV-Visible spectrophotometer and showed formation of silver nanoparticles within less than one hour with maximum absorption of silver nanoparticles at 430 nm. The major functional groups present in the synthesis responsible for the formation of silver nanoparticles. It was identified by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). Field Electron Scanning Microscope (FESEM) was used to characterise the nanoparticles synthesized using P.hydropiper. The morphology of silver nanoparticles was predominantly spherical and aggregated into irregular structure with average diameter of 60 nm. In addition, this report emphasizes the effect of the silver nanoparticles on the degradation rate of hazardous dyes by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The efficiency of silver nanoparticles as a promising candidate for the catalysis of organic dyes by NaBH4 through the electron transfer process is established in the present study. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Zinc oxide plays an important role in current industry due to its special characteristics such as anti-corrosion, anti-bacteria, has low electrons conductivity and excellent heat resistance. Therefore, the objective of this study is to synthesize zinc oxide nanostructures with the most practical ways by using sol-gel method and characterize the nanostructures. Sol-gel method is the simplest method and has the ability to control the particle size and morphology through systematic monitoring of reaction parameters. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via sol gel method using Zinc acetate dehydrate (Zn(CH3COO)(2)center dot 2H(2)O) as a precursor and ethanol (CH2COOH) was used as solvent, Sodium hydroxide ( NaOH) and distilled water were used as medium. ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by using XRD, EDX, FESEM, and nano-particles analyser. Result of EDX characterization shows that the ZnO nanoparticles has good purity with (Zinc content of- 55.38% and; Oxygen content of- 44.62%). XRD result spectrum displays mainly oxygen and zinc peaks, which indicate the crystallinity in nature as exhibited. FESEM micrographs shows that synthesized ZnO have a rod-like structure. The obtained ZnO nanoparticles are homogenous and consistent in size which corresponds to the XRD result that exhibit good crystallinity. ZnO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by sol-gel method in nanosize range within 81.28nm to 84.98nm. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

This study is conducted to evaluate the tensile properties of silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCNP) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled toughened epoxy composites as a function of filler loading. The nanocomposites with different weight percentage of SiCNP and MWCNTs loading were fabricated by mechanical blending operation assisted with an ultrasonic cavitation technique. The loadings utilized were 0, 2, 4, and 6% of total composites weight. The result shows that the optimum filler loading of both systems were obtainable at 4% of SiCNP and MWCNTs of loadings. Composite with SiCNP filler achieved the highest value of tensile strength and Young's modulus at about 11% and 4%, respectively as compared to unfilled system. The enhancement pattern in MWCNTs nanocomposite systems were not significant as compared than SiCNP composite. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of MWCNTs composite were increased at only about 7% and 2%, respectively compared than unfilled system. The strain at break attribute for both filler system had shown reduction pattern at higher loading started from 2% loading and onwards. The variation in tensile properties were further supported by the tensile fracture morphologies and clearly shown that the filler-matrix plated an important role in affecting the tensile behavior of nanocomposite produced. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.