Title
Antifungal mulberry papers modified with microclusters of pyramidal zinc oxide
Authors
CHAT PHOLNAK NUSROFAH LATTE CHITNARONG SIRISATHITKUL MONTHON LERTWORAPREECHA and SUMETHA SUWANBOON

Published Volume 52 Issue 7-8 July-August
Keywords zinc oxide, antifungal properties, optical properties, mulberry paper, tube sedge

Abstract
The calcination of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2⋅6H2O) crystals was demonstrated as a facile route for preparing single-phase zinc oxide (ZnO) microclusters composed of pyramids around 15 µm in size. Their antifungal property was tested on mulberry papers made from the woody stem of tube sedge (Lepironia articurata). The papers coated by 2-12 mg/mL of ZnO dispersion exhibited a resistance to Aspergillus niger when subjected to the fungus for up to 15 days. The inhibition was attributed to the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO microclusters, which is not sensitive to the calcination temperature from 600 to 800 °C. This finding is beneficial for the manufacture of antifungal handicraft products from mulberry papers and of local bulrush basketry from tube sedge.