Chemical preparation and evaluation of the physicomechanical properties of novel copper–water hyacinth nanocomposite

Water hyacinth has become a menace in many rivers in Ghana and the world at large. Various methods applied to get rid of these invasive plants have been unsuccessful. One workable solution is to use the plant for economic benefit. We have synthesized Copper-Water Hyacinth nanocomposite using the chemical reduction method. This is a preliminary research stage to ultimately use the properties of the material to construct a filter to treat water. The nanocomposite was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy which revealed the morphology and other surface features with particle sizes ranging between 3 and 10 nm. Electron diffraction studies confirmed the planes (2 0 0) and (3 1 1) as well as the presence of metal copper. X-ray Diffraction studies confirmed the Miller indices for the angles 21.7°, 25.3° and 45° as (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (3 1 1). With the application of the Tinius Olsen IT 406 High Energy Pendulum Impact Machine, the mechanical durability of the nanocomposites was tested to determine the impact resistance. The mechanical impact energy of 27.98±0.02J was similar to natural fiber-reinforced composites. Direct current Ohm's bridge was employed to investigate the electrical conductivity, resistivity and electric field strength, and the values were 3.64±0.02x10^-2(Ωm)^-1, 27.50±0.02Ωm, 224.17±0.02Vm^-1 accordingly. Copper-Water Hyacinth nanocomposite could be compared to intrinsic semiconductors owing to the electrical conductivity value. The percentage of moisture content led to an increase in the applied voltage. The Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy data also suggests that they have a high potential for use as ion adsorbent materials in aqueous chemical systems.