Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp. aqueous leaf extract and their application in Al/Mg/KNO3 pyrotechnics.

Nanomaterials have received much attention from researchers in recent years, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, which play a role in improving the performance and safety of pyrotechnics. The aim of this study was the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the water fraction of Salam leaf extract (Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp.), and its use in Al/Mg/KNO3 pyrotechnics. ZnO NPs were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis Spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The effect of adding ZnO NPs was tested using a bomb calorimeter. The pyrotechnic combustion heat of Al/Mg/KNO3 as a result of the test was 6.35 kJ/gr, and with the addition of ZnO NPs it was 7.46 kJ/gr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]