Green synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) from waste tyre carbon black for antibacterial polypropylene in healthcare

The synthesis of nanomaterials from waste resources has emerged as a promising approach to addressing global challenges of waste accumulation and pollution. Graphene oxide (GO), a widely researched nanomaterial, can be derived from carbon waste, offering a green and potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional production methods. However, the reliance on natural graphite as a raw material limits large-scale production due to its environmental impact and high extraction costs. This study investigates the synthesis of GO from recovered carbon black (rCB) derived from pyrolysed waste tyres. This research was conducted in three phases: (1) synthesis and optimization of GO from waste tyre-derived rCB using a modified Hummers’ method, (2) evaluation of antibacterial properties of GO, (3) fabrication and enhancement of GO adhesion onto meltblown nonwoven polypropylene (PP) fabric via surface treatment, and (4) evaluation of thermal comfort and antibacterial activity of GO on the functionalized fabric. In this study, the modified Hummers’ method was used to synthesize GO from waste tyre-derived recovered carbon black (rCB), optimizing key reaction parameters, including precursor amount (1-5 wt%), reaction time (60-180 min), and oxidant level.