Investigating the Effect of TiO2 and CeO2 Nanoparticles With UV Stabilizers on Weather-Resistance of TPU Nanocomposite Films: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The present work investigates the potential synergy between cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles and organic UV additives (UVAs), and compares it with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles combined with UVA in enhancing the weather-resistance performance of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The TPU nanocomposite films have been prepared using the solution casting method with 3, 5, and 7 wt% of nanoparticle loading. FESEM analysis shows the uniform dispersion of nanofillers within the TPU matrix. The nanocomposite films with additives show a maximum increase in ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values (~2000) compared to neat TPU (84.74). The chemical and surface changes of films before and after 300 h of exposure were determined through FTIR, XPS, and SEM techniques. The change in carbonyl index for TPU/CeO2/UVA film with 5 wt% loading (C5A) was 20%, while for TPU/TiO2/UVA film with 5 wt% loading (T5A) was 59%. After exposure, TPU/CeO2/UVA nanocomposite films showed minimal change in the yellowness index (ΔYI). Moreover, C5A film shows maximum retention in tensile strength of about 49% after 300 h exposure. Hence, the combination of CeO2 nanoparticles with organic UVAs exhibits a synergistic effect, significantly improving the weather resistance performance of aromatic TPU, which can be further used for outdoor applications.