Highly stable, antibacterial and antiviral composites films via improved non-solvent induced phase separation for textile application

Textile composites are ubiquitous in daily life and are one of the main ways in which bacteria and viruses spread. Highly effective antibacterial and antiviral flexible composites are effective for reducing microbe transmission. Herein, we reported an improved nonsolvent-induced phase separation method for the fabrication of flexible textile composites. Cu 2 O/polyurethane (Cu 2 OPU) composite films containing antibacterial and antiviral coatings were constructed using a Cu 2 O-polyvinyl butyral coagulation bath and binary solvent mixtures, yielding a composite that had excellent mechanical properties and stability and the components did not leach out. The as-prepared Cu 2 OPU composite films exhibited strong antibacterial and antiviral activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the H1N1 virus (above 99.99 % inactivation ratio). What’s more, Cu 2 OPU has excellent mechanical and environmental stability owing to the strong interfacial adhesion of Cu 2 O with the polymer matrix. Furthermore, it can withstand multiple washes and be suitable for daily use. Cu 2 OPU may be sustainably produced with great scalability, which may meet public, home, and textile applications.