The molecular design and characterization of a transparent and flexible TiO2/polymer nanocomposite with antibacterial and anti-UV light properties.

Transparent TiO2/polymer nanocomposites (PSEM) with excellent anti-UV light property and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus were designed and prepared successfully by the copolymerization of styrene monomers with dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol (600) dimethacrylate and ethoxylated trimethylolpropane. PSEM nanocomposites could shield ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 200–368 nm, reducing the transmittance of blue and violet light in the range of 368–500 nm and having a light transmittance of about 91% in the visible light region of 600–800 nm. The results suggested that the interaction between PEG chains and TiO2 nanoparticles could promote the stable dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles, which was a key for the outstanding transparent performance and highly efficient UV light absorbance. The maximum inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus was 28.0 mm. PEG chains in polyethylene glycol (600) dimethacrylate provided soft segments for PSEM nanocomposites, styrene monomers provided hard segments, while ethoxylated trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate enhanced the crosslinking density. The molecular structure design ensured PSEM nanocomposites had tailored mechanical properties and stable thermal properties. The maximum unnotched impact strength, tensile strength, bending stress and hardness reached 56.11 kJ/m2, 54 MPa, 88.02 MPa, and 74 HRR, respectively. This research provided a meaningful strategy for designing highly transparent and self-sterilizing composite materials used in medical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]