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

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 γ-aminopropyltrimethoxylsilane (γ-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.