TiO2-Oligoaldaramide nanocomposites as efficient core-shell systems for wood preservation.

ABSTRACT Homogeneous core-shell systems were obtained with a growth, in controlled steps, of several oligoamides on TiO₂ nanoparticles. Derivatives of natural compounds, such as l-tartaric acid and α,α′-trehalose, were used as diesters in the polycondensation reactions with ethylenediamine. TiO₂ anatase was chosen because of its high photo-activity and its antimicrobial activity. The TiO₂ nanoparticles had been previously activated then functionalized using two different coupling agents, and finally, the TiO₂-oligoamide nanocomposites were synthesized using two synthetic pathways. The final products were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT-IR, and transmission electron microscope. These nanocomposites can show improved properties in comparison with the single components (TiO₂ nanoparticles or oligoamides), which are useful in many fields, such as antimicrobial coatings for surfaces in cultural heritage conservation. A nanocomposite (TiO₂-polyethylenetartaramide) was used for applicative studies, and it has shown a good efficacy against fungal attack by Trametes versicolor on wood specimens ( Fagus sylvatica). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42047. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]