Multifunctional performances of nanocomposite SiO₂/TiO₂ doped cationic EBODAC film coated on natural cellulose matrix

An integrated approach to preparing a novel cationic nanocomposite SiO₂/TiO₂ sol (CNSTS) with anti-ultraviolet and anti-bacterial performances was investigated. The tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) were added as precursors and the ethylene-bis (octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (EBODAC) was used as additive. Cationic nanocomposite SiO₂/TiO₂ film (CNSTF) was coated on cellulose matrix by pad-dry-cure process with CNSTS. The FTIR spectrum demonstrates the Si–O–Si, Ti–O–Ti and Si–O–Ti bonds are formed in CNSTF. According to the Zetasizer curve, the sol particles minor-axis and macro-axis are 17.84 and 71.45 nm, respectively. The ultraviolet radiation transmittance (URT) is almost less than 5.0% during the wavelengths 200–320 nm, and lower than 6.0% after repetitive washing for 30 times. The bacteriostatic capabilities of the coated cellulose matrix to Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus are 90.8 and 95.2%, while the antibacterial ratios decrease to 61.1 and 71.5% during washing for 30 times, respectively. The SEM photographs present that the films are adhered on the matrix surfaces after washing. This method sets the stage for fully exploiting the potential of multifunctional cellulose matrix to resist bacterial and ultraviolet radiation.