Gelation Performance of Cationic Gemini Silica Sol with Inorganic Salts and Its Antibacterial Property Analysis

Cationic gemini silica sol (CGSS) was prepared via sol-gel method with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a precursor and ethylene-bis (octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (EBODAC) as an additive. Inorganic salts, such as NaCl, KCl, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂ boost the gelation process while FeCl₃ delays this process. Antibacterial ratio of treated cotton achieves 90.6% under the baking condition of 160°C for 3 minutes and warp-wise strength, break elongation and whiteness are less impacted under this baking condition. The antibacterial rate of cotton treated by the sols with vinyl tris (β-methoxyethoxy) silane (VTMES) used as the coupling agent still reached up to 81.2% after washing 30 times.