UVC-Shielding by Nano-TiO2/PMMA Composite: A Chemical Approach

Abstract

A translucent UV protecting poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/TiO2 nanocomposite has been fabricated using anatase TiO2 nanoparticles by solution method. The myristic acid capped titania nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple sol-gel method, involving hydrolysis of titanium tetra isopropoxide (TTIP). So prepared nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet- visible (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy. Morphology was studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Crystal phases were analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The BET surface area was temperature dependant. % wt. loss was found to be about less than 6%. Similarly, the TiO2/PMMA nanocomposites were characterized by above tools. This nanocomposite film was tested for UV-shielding application via prevention of photo- chemical reaction between silver nitrate and Pyrrole under UVC irradiation. The films used for the shielding purpose were further analyzed by UV-Vis absorption and IR spectroscopy and by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand the effect of Pyrrole vapors on the film. The nanocomposite with ≤ 1.0 wt % of TiO2 showed improved thermal stability, high see through and optimum UV-shielding efficiency in the present case.