Preliminary investigation of boron nitride nanotubes as an active material of sunblock

Abstract

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are investigated as an active material of sunblock. Both the optical calculations and the experimental measurements are performed in this present study. Optical calculation such as the dielectric function of BNNTs are calculated using the random phase approximation (RPA). While, the experimental measurements started with the preparation of sunblock gel samples containing BNNTs with a basic formula consisting of a mixture of carbopol 940 and triethanolamine (TEA). Then, the sunblock gel samples are examined using the UV absorption spectroscopy and the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Both the results of the optical calculations and the experimental measurements, show that BNNTs have good absorption in the ultraviolet region and good transparency in the visible light region. This preliminary investigation indicates that BNNTs has the opportunity to be further developed as an active sunblock material.