Abstract
In this study, the liquid phase and vapor phase procedures for silylating cellulose microfibers by hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) were compared in terms of efficiency. The influence of functionalization degree on the morphology of microfibers and their interaction with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix has been investigated. The antibacterial properties of silylated cellulose microfibers hybridized with Ag nanoparticles, obtained by in situ chemical reduction, were also studied. Sample morphology investigations were carried out using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques (FTIR, XPS, TEM, SEM, EDS, XPS). Trimethylsilyl moieties appear on the surface of the cellulose microfibers after modification and improve the dispersibility of the microfibers, allowing strong interaction with the PDMS matrix and favoring its crosslinking density. Microfibers functionalized by the vapor phase of HMDS show smoother surfaces with higher concentrations of Si-containing groups, resulting in a more hydrophobic wetting behavior and a greater influence on the mechanical properties of the polymer. The silylated cellulose microfiber–Ag nanohybrid shows stronger antimicrobial activity towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains compared to that of the untreated hybrid. A PDMS composite loaded with this hybrid exhibits the ability to inhibit bacterial growth.
Highlights
Polydimethylsiloxanes (PMDSs) are the most widely used polymers in siloxane elastomers.Due to their distinctive properties, such asbiocompatibility, good thermal and oxidative stability, high hydrophobicity and gas permeability, low surface energy, and nontoxicity, they are used in various fields [1,2,3]
We present an evaluation comparing the silylation of cellulose microfibers with hexamethyldisilazane by vapor phase and liquid phase procedures
The morphology of the microfibers to be used was investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis
Summary
Polydimethylsiloxanes (PMDSs) are the most widely used polymers in siloxane elastomers Due to their distinctive properties, such asbiocompatibility, good thermal and oxidative stability, high hydrophobicity and gas permeability, low surface energy, and nontoxicity, they are used in various fields [1,2,3]. PDMS, due to weather and UV stability, adhesiveness to various surfaces, inertness against food and living tissues, high optical clarity, biocompatibility, and biodurability, has found widespread application in healthcare [4]. These polymers show poor mechanical strength and tear resistance due to an inherent weak interaction between PDMS chains, limiting broader application.
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