Preparation and investigation of hydrophilic, photocatalytic, and antibacterial polyacrylic latex coating containing nanostructured TiO2/Ag+-exchanged-montmorillonite composite material

• A novel nanocomposite coating based on polyacrylic was prepared.
• Nanostructured TiO2/Ag+-exchanged-montmorillonite composite material was prepared.
• Prepared nanocomposite was used as additive for modification of polyacrylic latex.
• Modified coatings showed hydrophilic, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties.
• Modified coatings showed better stability in water than unmodified polymer.

In order to prepare a self cleaning and antibacterial coating, nanostructured TiO2/Ag+-exchanged-montmorillonite composite material was prepared and used as additive in a commercial grade polyacrylic latex coating. FT-IR and UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns and FESEM were used to characterize the composition and structure of the nanocomposites and coatings. The polyacrylic coatings, prepared by the using of TiO2/Ag+-exchanged-montmorillonite additive, showed better UV and visible light absorption, hydrophilic property, photodegradation of organic pollutants, stability in water and antibacterial properties than pristine commercial grade polyacrylic latex coating. According to the results, the modified polyacrylic coating containing 3% w of nanostructured TiO2/Ag+-exchanged-montmorillonite composite material as additive, with TiO2 to Ag+-exchanged-montmorillonite ratio of 2:1, was the best coating considering most of the useful properties such as low water contact angle, high photodegradation efficiency, and high water resistivity. The water contact angle for unmodified polyacrylic latex coating was 68° while it was decreased to about 10° or less for modified coating after 24 h LED lamp illumination.

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