Facile conglomeration of guar gum/TiO2/Fe3O4 composite materials for photocatalytic antimicrobial activities

In present communication we report the guar gum based composite materials, prepared by incorporating TiO2 and Fe3O4 by sol-gel method. The composites were synthesized by hydrolysis and dehydroxylation polymerization of a Titanium (IV) butoxide and mixed oxides of iron (Fe3O4) by the sol-gel method within the guar gum matrix using hydrochloric acid as an acid catalyst. The synthesized materials were calcined in an electrical muffle furnace at 200 oC, 400 oC and 600 oC, and characterized by FTIR, XRD and TGA. Thermal properties of the composites were improved as evidenced from the Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) data. A strong photocatalytic antimicrobial activity of about 90% was exhibited by composite material calcined at 600 oC against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and therefore, the material could be considered as an important raw material for developing an active food packaging. [Display omitted] •Hydrolysis and polycondensation of titanium(IV)butoxide and mixed ferric oxide in the matrix of guar gum are the results of composites.•Different ratio of template and precursors, control the yield of composites.•Composite materials characterized by FTIR, XRD and TGA.•Calcination of composite becomes it mesoporous and a potential candidate for antimicrobial activity.•Composite calcined at 600 °C shows antimicrobial activity of about 90% against S. aureus bacteria.