Integration of advanced materials based on Zn/Cu oxides nanoparticles on sawdust and recycled EPS to enhance wood agglomerates with improved mechanical, physical, and antifungal properties

Abstract A bimetallic system of nanoparticles was synthesized by a chemical reduction method. One of the most significant results was that ZnO, Cu 2 O, and CuO nanoparticles can be supported on sawdust with expanded polystyrene (EPS) to develop a nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and density determination. TEM images revealed spheroidal nanostructures. The SAED pattern indicated the polycrystalline nature of the nanoparticles. The density calculated for the nanocomposite was higher than that one for sawdust. The nanocomposite inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic fungi and at the same time could improve the mechanical properties of the composite. The proposal to dissolve the EPS and integrate it into nanoparticles involves a greater economic and environmental impact, as it avoids higher energy consumption for the production of boards as well as the use of toxic resins. The calculated mechanical properties exceed the values established in international standards and approach the performance required for boards used in structural applications.