Synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles via sol–gel method and hydrolysis and application for paper deacidification treatment

Abstract

Pure magnesium oxide nanoparticles were prepared using the sol–gel method and calcined at various temperatures – 500, 600, 800 and 1000 °C. The average crystalline size of the smallest particles obtained at 500 °C was 7.2 nm. This powder was hydrolyzed at room temperature in the nitrogen atmosphere for 48 h with addition of 10 w.% of water. To stabilize this mixture 1 w.% of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel E) was added. A suspension of pure Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles (20–30 nm) in 2-propanole was directly used for paper deacidification treatment. The samples were investigated and the obtained results were compared with the samples treated with bare Mg(OH)2. The antibacterial and fungicidal efficiency of obtained nanoparticles was also investigated by introducing the particles into the media containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli growth media.