Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by gelcasting using a low toxic monomer and optimization of gelation time using the Taguchi method

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a gelcasting process, which includes using in situ polymerization for forming the samples followed by calcination. Methacrylamide (MAM) was used as a monomer and N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBAM) was used as a cross-linker to form a cross-linked polymer network. The effects of monomer content, cross-linker to monomer ratio, and silver salt to monomer ratio on gelation time were investigated using the Taguchi experimental design method. A set of 16 experiments was conducted at a constant temperature and agitation speed. The results from the Minitab design of experiments (DOE) analysis indicate that the cross-linker to monomer ratio had the greatest effect on gelation time. Finally, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by burning out a gel sample in a furnace. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the average size of the silver nanoparticles was approximately 42nm.