Preparation and characterization of a self-matting waterborne polyurethane with antibacterial function

Self-matting waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with rough surface is often accompanied by poor antibacterial property, which greatly limits its service life. Here, a gemini quaternary ammonium (GQM) with hydrophilic and antimicrobial properties was designed and synthesized. 1,3,5-tris (2-hydroxyethyl) hexahydro-1,3,5-Triazine (TNO) was used as a crosslinking agent, and GQM was selected as chain extender to prepare antibacterial and self-matting WPU resin. The effects of TNO and GQM on the morphology, particle size, gloss, antibacterial rate, and hydrophilicity of WPU were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of TNO and GQM significantly enhanced the self-matting effect and antibacterial activity of WPU. When the contents of TNO and GQM were 1.2 wt% and 4 wt%, the average particle size of emulsion was 6.53 μm, the gloss of coating was 11.05 GU. It is also significant to be noted that the antibacterial rates of S. aureus and E. coli were 95.69 % and 95.18 %, respectively. This prepared WPU was endowed with self-matting and antibacterial properties simultaneously. This finding can provide a novel insight into the research of antibacterial polymers and antiglare coatings.