Simple fabrication of PVA-ATE (Amaranthus tricolor leaves extract) polymer biocomposites: An efficient UV-Shielding material for organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

Abstract In this article, we propose a green method that uses A.tricolor leaf extract with effective phytochemicals to develop a PVA/ATE transparent polymer biocomposite structure with a potential UV shielding mechanism. UV–Vis, FTIR and XRD measurements confirmed the presence of phytomolecules and metabolites and their interactive mechanisms in the PVA/ATE biocomposite materials. The optical parameters of PVA/ATE biocomposite structures, including absorption/extinction coefficients, optical band gap/Urbach energy, complex refractive index (n) and dielectric properties with exceptional UV-shielding efficiency were evaluated. We find higher refractive index values for the composites compared to pristine PVA. The analysis of XRD and DSC showed the confirmation of the amorphous properties of the composite material supported by the Urbach energy discussion. Furthermore, with DSC/TGA analysis, thermal properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), degradation temperature (Td), and the enthalpy of melting (ΔHm) have been estimated. The physicochemical properties of the composite structure show excellent thermal stability, with 10 mL (volume %) leaf extract loaded into the PVA matrix, which is supported by the % weight loss. Interestingly, the new materials described here have excellent UV radiation blocking properties, implying their good potential use as UV protection materials. The ultraviolet absorption rates of 250 nm (UVC), 300 nm (UVB) and 350 nm (UVA) can reach 86.8%, 74.4% and 58.6%, respectively, while maintaining visual transparency of more than 20% at 550 nm for PLF - 3 composites. To establish a balanced and sustainable ecology, these composite membranes may protect organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems from UVB light-induced health risks in a significant way.