Effects of stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change on materials damage

Abstract

Nanoscale inorganic fillers with average particle sizes smaller by an order of magnitude or more compared to those of conventional fillers are becoming commercially available. The efficacy of these fillers used in polymer formulations and particularly their effect as photostabilizers are beginning to be investigated. These may enhance or retard photodegradation depending on the surface coating of the particles or their chemical nature. Some recent data indicate their use as effective photostabilizers in some common polymers. However, the potential deleterious interaction of the nanoscale fillers with other additives in the formulation has also been pointed out. Depending on the efficiency of stabilization and the economics of their use nanofillers may provide a useful route to UV-stabilization of plastics and rubber used outdoors. Insufficient data are available at this time to assess their potential impact on material and coatings stabilization. Organic fillers such as lignocellulose continue to be investigated for outdoor applications. Their cost advantage makes them attractive despite the somewhat reduced engineering properties of their composites. Recent reports, however, suggest the photostability of these composites to depend on the source of fiber as well as the processing techniques employed in fabricating products from them. Identification of the key determinants in terms of species, isolation and processing of polymer-wood composites is critical to developing them for long-term outdoor use. Efforts are continuing on the synthesis of new light stabilizers, particularly those based on a hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), and on identifying synergistic combinations of known stabilizers for common thermoplastics. Variants of HALS-type stabilizers that reduce the loss of stabilizer via leaching or migration were recently reported. Studies on the permanence of the stabilizers themselves when exposed to solar UV wavelengths have also been reported in recent work. Identification of relevant mechanisms is important not only to understand the interactions of climate changes and higher UV solar environments with materials damage, but also to guide future design of light-stabilizers.

DNA damage profiles induced by sunlight at different latitudes

“…In a scenario of stratospheric ozone depletion, compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have been playing a leading role. The discovery of the ozone “hole” in the 1980's has led to grave concern worldwide, since intensified UVB radiation (280–315 nm), through inducing greater damage to a wide range of organic molecules, including DNA, generally enhances the harm to several biological and physical processes [Takahashi and Ohnishi,2004; Andrady et al,2007; Caldwell et al,2007; McKenzie et al,2007; Zepp et al,2007].…”

Dynamic Mechanical and Gel Content Properties of Irradiated ENR/PVC blends with TiO2 Nanofillers

“…The gel content of the crosslinked samples was determined by the extraction of samples in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent at 50 ± 2 o C. The samples were extracted with solvent THF for 24 hours and the extracted samples were dried till constant weight. The gel fraction is calculated as: % Gel content = (W/Wo) x 100 (1) Where, W and Wo are the weights of the dried samples after extraction and the weight of the sample before extraction, respectively.…”

“…They are effective as reinforcing fillers at lower concentrations and are therefore cheaper to use. In addition, in early studies some nanocomposite fillers appear to impart antioxidant effects, photostability, and flame retardant to the composite [1]. Filler distribution affects the properties of the blend, as it is controlled by the molecular weight of the polymer and filler dispersion in each phase and chemical interaction between polymer and filler [2].…”

Mechanical behaviors of glass/polyester composites after UV radiation

“…UV radiation has become a topic of increasing concern because of the ozone depletion. 1 It has been recognized that the release of chlorofluorocarbons and other atmospheric pollutants depletes stratospheric ozone, which in turn increases exposure of substances on the earth to UV radiation. 2 UV radiation is known to affect materials, [3][4][5] particularly, plastics.…”