Waterborne polyurethane/NiAl-LDH/ZnO composites with high antibacterial activity

Novel waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composites based on NiAl-LDH and ZnO were successfully synthesized by in-situ polymerization. The nanostructured NiAl-LDH/ZnO was first grafted by isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), forming the NiAl-LDH/ZnO-NCO complex with ―NCO group on the surface, which promotes its homogeneous dispersion in WPU matrix. The microstructure and particle distribution of the composites were characterized. The mechanical properties and the water resistance of the composites were improved. Furthermore, the composites also exhibit significant antibacterial activity towards G(−) Escherichia coli and G(+) Staphylococcus aureus . Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.