Hybrid DOE–RSM modeling of antibacterial and mechanical performance of ZnO–CMC paper coatings

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nanomaterials & Nanocoatings, Institute for Color Science and Technology (ICST), P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box: 19919-43344, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the glycine-nitrate combustion method and structurally and morphologically characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the formation of pure ZnO phase with wurtzite structure and nano-crystalline nature of particles, average crystallite size was calculated at 37 nm. Electron microscopy SEM-TEM images confirmed the quasi-spherical morphology of nanoparticles. In order to evaluate the bio-efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria were performed and biologically effective concentration range was selected for use in coating suspension. ZnO nanoparticles were added to carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) base coatings at selected concentrations and applied to paper. Using a full factorial design of experiments (DOE), the simultaneous effect of ZnO concentration and coating thickness on the antibacterial index (R), tensile strength, and burst strength of the coated paper was investigated. Statistical analysis and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to model the main and interaction effects of parameters and develop predictive models. The results showed that ZnO concentration and coating thickness play a decisive role in the antibacterial performance and mechanical properties. Multi-response optimization was performed considering the maximization of antibacterial property and mechanical properties of the paper. The proposed DOE–RSM hybrid framework provides an effective and reliable approach for the design and optimization of antibacterial paper coatings, what the optimize results are related to ZnO (wt%); 7.55%, and Thickness (µm)120.

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Main Subjects

Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 May 2026

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