Antibacterial cellulose composite: using SET-LRP for cellulose surface modification with quaternized...

The aim of this study is to graft quaternized poly-dimethylammoniumethylacrylate (PDMAEAQ) onto the surface of cellulose in order to both increase its compatibility with a PVC matrix and provide it with antibacterial properties. Cellulose was first prepared by grafting 2-bromoisobutyric acid to its surface to make it into an initiator for Single Electron Transfer Living Radical Polymerization (SET-LRP), which was then performed using dimethylaminoethylacrylate (DMAEA) as the monomer. The DMAEA units were then quaternized using 1-bromododecane. The resulting product was finally compounded with PVC. The antibacterial properties of the composites were studied, showing antibacterial activity against several bacterial test strains. Then, the modified cellulose/matrix compatibility and basic information on the composite were obtained using SAXS, and water contact angle measurements were used to explain the increased compatibility. Finally, the 3D printability of both PVC and the modified cellulose/PVC composite was tested, showing that, while PVC poses significant challenges for printing, a composite using another matrix would have great potential for everyday applications.