Electrospun Fibrous Nanocomposite Membrane for UV Shielding Applications

Abstract

In this paper, UV shielding properties of the fibrous composite membranes of PVA and ZnO have been studied and analyzed. Two kinds of approches have been adopted to prepare the fibrous membrane and their corresponding effect on shielding properties have also been systematically studied. It has been observed that the pure PVA fibrous membrane with a wavelength longer than 230 nm could not be filtered which predicted that transparency of the pure PVA samples for both UVA and UVB radiations. In the case of DDM derived composite membrane, UV radiations in the range from 200 to 365 nm have been efficiently absorbed by the sample. The ISM-PVA/ZnO exhibit impressive UV shielding nature which effectively filtered the whole range of UV radiation especially for both UV-B (280-315 nm) and UV-A (315-400 nm). The transmittance results indicate a significant improvement of the UV absorbing property of ISM derived ZnO/PVA. Considering the simplicity of the fabrication of the composite materials, this work might become very useful for commercial exploitation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials

“…This is due to the interfacial polarization associated with entrapment of free charges generated at the interfaces between the AgNPs and PVDF [4]. Anita and Natarajan (2015) studied the potential of ZnO nanopowders with PVA matrix for the use of UV shielding [169]. The in situ sol-gel method (ISM) and direct deposition method (DDM) have been discussed to analyze the effect of UV shielding.…”

Nanostructured ZnO and CuI Thin Films on Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Tapes for UV-Shielding Applications

“…According to [1][2][3][4][5][6], since ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers the formation of free radicals, the long-term exposure of human skin to UV radiation can result in health issues, such as aging, DNA damage, skin reddening, acne, and even skin cancer. UV light also has degradation effects on various materials, such as polymers, dyes, pigments and semiconductor devices [6].…”

“…UV light also has degradation effects on various materials, such as polymers, dyes, pigments and semiconductor devices [6]. Therefore, interest in the creation of light and flexible shields with variable shapes, which are capable of providing protection from solar UV, is particularly due to the need to reduce the risk of skin cancer and to prevent skin injury associated with UV exposure [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Extensive research efforts were focused on the development of UV shielding material, which may be efficient for UV protective coating [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], especially in the wavelength () range 290-400 nm (terrestrial UV part of the solar spectrum, namely 95 % UVA (320-400 nm range) and 5 % UVB (290-320 nm range)).…”

“…Therefore, interest in the creation of light and flexible shields with variable shapes, which are capable of providing protection from solar UV, is particularly due to the need to reduce the risk of skin cancer and to prevent skin injury associated with UV exposure [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Extensive research efforts were focused on the development of UV shielding material, which may be efficient for UV protective coating [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], especially in the wavelength () range 290-400 nm (terrestrial UV part of the solar spectrum, namely 95 % UVA (320-400 nm range) and 5 % UVB (290-320 nm range)). Generally, modern materials for sun protection contain nanoparticles or nanostructured layers of wide band gap semiconductors (mainly titanium dioxide (TiO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO)), whose large surface area to-volume ratio significantly increases the effectiveness to block UV radiation when compared to bulk materials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…Extensive research efforts were focused on the development of UV shielding material, which may be efficient for UV protective coating [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], especially in the wavelength () range 290-400 nm (terrestrial UV part of the solar spectrum, namely 95 % UVA (320-400 nm range) and 5 % UVB (290-320 nm range)). Generally, modern materials for sun protection contain nanoparticles or nanostructured layers of wide band gap semiconductors (mainly titanium dioxide (TiO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO)), whose large surface area to-volume ratio significantly increases the effectiveness to block UV radiation when compared to bulk materials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Among them, the best choices for UV protection are nanostructured thin ZnO films [1,4] or indium doped ZnO:In films [1], hierarchical ZnO nanostructures [8], ZnO quantum dots [9], ZnO-polystyrene nanocomposite films [6], ZnO quantum dots/sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose nanocomposite polymer films [2], and fibrous ZnO/polyvinyl alcohol composite membranes [5].…”