Synthesis and Properties of Cellulose-Functionalized POSS-SiO2/TiO2 Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical and morphological properties of cellulose, an excellent natural biomaterial, can be improved by organic inorganic hybrid composite methods. Based on the pristine properties of cellulose, the preparation of cellulose-metal oxide hybrid nanocomposites using a dispersion process of nanoparticles into the cellulose host matrix by traditional methods, has limitations. Recently, the functionalized cellulose-polymer-based materials were considered to be an important class of high-performance materials, providing the synthesis of various functional hybrid nanocomposites using a sol gel method. Transparent cellulose-POSS-amine-silica/titania hybrids were prepared by an in-situ sol gel process in the presence of gamma-aminopropyltrimethoxylsilane (gamma-APTES). The methodology involves the formation of covalent bonding between the cellulose-POSS amine and SiO2/TiO2 hybrid nanocomposite material. An analysis of the synthesized hybrid material by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the silica/titania nanoparticles were bonded covalently and dispersed uniformly into the cellulose-POSS amine matrix. In addition, biological properties of the cellulose-POSS-silica/titania hybrid material were examined using an antimicrobial test against pathogenic bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus (F481072) and E.coli (ATCC35150) for the bacterial effect.