UV Blocking Research Articles

Abstract. In northern China, exterior window glass significantly impacts heating energy consumption during winter by collecting heat and providing insulation. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in shading by attenuating ultraviolet rays. This paper presents an intelligent optimization algorithm based on genetic algorithms for optimizing the thickness of three-layer insulating glass to maximize solar radiation transmission and minimize ultraviolet radiation below 400nm wavelength, thereby enhancing the glass's heat collection and shading capabilities. The study utilizes MATLAB's genetic algorithm function, running 20 iterations to overcome local optima, achieving an optimal glass thickness configuration of 12mm for each layer. This configuration allows maximum solar energy transmission while substantially reducing UV radiation, balancing energy efficiency with health protection. Future research directions include examining different glass materials' effects on UV blocking, considering climate change impacts on glass performance, and scaling the optimization method for large-scale architectural applications to assess its practical and economic viability. The findings contribute to the development of energy-efficient and health-protective building materials.

Microwave enhanced carbon dots synthesis from eggshell membrane: Versatile applications in heavy metal ion sensing, strain free detection of fingerprints, UV shielding, food packing and anti-counterfeiting

A facile approach towards large-scale synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles derived from egg shell waste with enhanced UV shielding, nano priming and fingerprint real time object detection through YOLOv8x

Effect of titanate coupling agent on antioxidant property and UV blocking property of PBAT/lignin composite films

Far infrared radiation (FIR) within the wavelength range of 4-14 μm can offer human health benefits, such as improving blood flow. Therefore, additives that emit far infrared radiation have the potential to be incorporated into polymer/fabric matrices to develop textiles that could promote health. In this study, biochar derived from candlenuts and pyrolyzed with activated carbon (AC) was incorporated into polypropylene (PP) films and investigated for its potential as a health-promoting textile additive. The properties of biochar were compared with other far infrared (FIR) emitting additives such as hematite, Indian red ochre, and graphene. The addition of biochar increased FIR emissivity to 0.90, which is 9% higher than that of pristine PP. Additionally, biochar enhanced UV and near-infrared (NIR) blocking capabilities, achieving an ultra-protection factor (UPF) of 91.41 and NIR shielding of 95.85%. Incorporating 2 wt% biochar resulted in a 3.3-fold higher temperature increase compared to pristine PP after 30 s of exposure to an FIR source, demonstrating improved heat retention. Furthermore, the ability to achieve the lowest thermal effusivity among other additives supports the potential use of biochar-incorporated fabric as a warming material in cold climates. The tensile properties of PP films with biochar were superior to those with other additives, potentially contributing to a longer product lifespan. Additionally, samples with red ochre exhibited the highest FIR emissivity, while samples with hematite showed the highest capacity for UV shielding.

Excellent facile fabrication of PVA and lignin nanoparticles from wheat straw after novel DES-THF pretreatment

Fabrication of bamboo nanocellulose fibril-based food packaging with dual-antimicrobial property

Abstract Waste cotton clothes, including post-consumer denim fabrics, are abundant biopolymer sources due to their high cellulose content. These waste materials commonly end up in landfills, posing health and environmental concerns and losing valuable cellulosic materials. To address these, this study aims to extract and characterize microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from post-consumer indigo denim fabrics using a one-step hydrothermal method and evaluate its UV-blocking properties. FTIR and TGA analysis of raw and bleached denim confirmed the presence and purity of cotton cellulose and the indigo dye. Extracted MCC yielded 70-84%, with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 281-299. XRD analysis of the MCC showed a cellulose Type I structure. FTIR suggests the removal of amorphous phases of cellulose, leaving the crystalline structure. SEM meanwhile revealed rod-shaped and rough-surfaced MCC particles with diameters of 10-20 μm and lengths of 45-60 μm. Both FTIR and SEM indicated the retention of indigo dye on MCC surface. Increased acid hydrolysis time led to smaller particle sizes and higher degree of crystallinity (CrI). Indigo PVA-MCC films showed good transparency and effective UV blocking. These results indicate the successful conversion of denim to MCC via the hydrothermal method and the stability of indigo dye in the cellulose matrix.

Abstract Crosslinked modified tapioca starch films with CNC and HNT have the potential to be good renewable and biodegradable food packaging. Starch, CNC, and HNT were used because of their availability and cheap cost. This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying concentrations of CNC and HNT on the morphology, mechanical and optical properties of crosslinked modified tapioca starch films as an initial step in developing an active food package. Both CNC and HNT have high crystallinity and a large amount of OH groups. The OH groups as well as the ion-dipole interaction in HNT increase the tensile strength of the films. The highest tensile strength and the lowest elongation were recorded in films containing 5% CNC and 5% HNT. Beyond 5%, the addition of these nanomaterials diminished the tensile strength due to agglomeration which is the weak point of the films. Below the 5%, the nanomaterials serve as good reinforcing agents which improve the tensile strength. In addition, all films have good transmission capacity for visible light, while films with HNT outperform films with CNC in UV blocking ability.

Water repellency has significant potential in applications like self-cleaning coatings, anti-staining textiles, and electronics. This study introduces a novel nanocomposite system incorporating functionalized Al2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles within a polyurethane matrix to achieve hydrophobic and UV-blocking properties. The nanoparticles were functionalized using an octadecyl phosphonic acid solution and characterized by FTIR and XPS, confirming non-covalent functionalization. Spin-coated polyurethane coatings with functionalized and non-functionalized Al2O3, CeO2, and binary Al2O3-CeO2 nanoparticles were analyzed. The three-layered Al2O3-CeO2-ODPA binary system achieved a contact angle of 166.4° and 85% transmittance in the visible range. Incorporating this binary functionalized system into a 0.4% w/v polyurethane solution resulted in a nanocomposite with 75% visible transmittance, 60% at 365 nm UV, and a 147.7° contact angle after three layers. These findings suggest that ODPA-functionalized nanoparticles, when combined with a polymer matrix, offer a promising approach to developing advanced hydrophobic and UV-protective coatings with potential applications across various industrial sectors.

Superior UV Blocking, Biological and Suppressed Photocatalytic Properties of Melanoidins-Hybridized ZnO Nanocomposites

Effect of dialdehyde nanocellulose-tannin fillers on antioxidant, antibacterial, mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan films for cherry tomato preservation

Abstract Soy protein isolated (SPI) have a wide application in the food packaging, but their water resistance, mechanical properties and antibacterial properties are not ideal for directly use. In our study, we developed a series of SPI composite films loaded with cinnamaldehyde and titanium dioxide (TiO2). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV scanning spectra (UV) and spectro colorimeter were applied to indicate the structure of films. The incorporation of TiO2 (0.5%) caused a subsequent effect on the tensile property, UV blocking properties and water vapor properties (WVP). On the other hand, SPI film composed with a constant amount of TiO2 and different concentration of cinnamaldehyde showed an excellent synergistic effect to improve the tensile property, moisture content, UV blocking properties, water vapor properties and morphological characteristics. Furthermore, the composite films exhibited superior antibacterial activity when tested against both S. aureus and E. coli. The microstructure of the composite film become heterogeneous and rough after addition of TiO2 and cinnamaldehyde compare to control film. The findings of the present study may facilitate a re‐evaluation of the potential of using multiple compounds to prepare active edible films.

Highly reliable anti-reflection radiative cooling glass applicable to thermal management of solar cells

Enhancement of chitosan-based film physicochemical and storage properties by interaction with proanthocyanidin and natural deep eutectic solvent

The current study explores biodegradable packaging materials that have high food quality assurance, as food deterioration is mostly caused by UV degradation and oxidation, which can result in bad flavor and nutrition shortages. Thus, new multifunctional zinc oxide nanoparticles/tannic acid (ZnO@TA) with antioxidant and antibacterial activities were incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CH) composite films with different ratios (1%, 3%, and 5% based on the total dry weight of the film) via a solution blending method in a neutral aqueous solution. Additionally, ZnO nanoparticles have unique antibacterial mechanisms through the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may lead to intensify pathogen resistance to conventional antibacterial agents. Thus, minimizing the negative effects caused by excessive levels of ROS may be possible by developing unique, multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles with antioxidant potential via coordination bond between tannic acid and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO@TA). ZnO@TA nanoparticles were examined using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of the incorporation of ZnO@TA nanoparticles on the barrier, mechanical, thermal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV blocking characteristics of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (ZnO@TA@CH/PVA) films was investigated. The lowest water vapor and oxygen permeability and the maximum antioxidant capacity% are 31.98 ± 1.68 g mm/m2 kPa day, 0.144 ± 5.03 × 10–2 c.c/m2.day, and 69.35 ± 1.6%, respectively, which are related to ZnO@TA(50)@CH/PVA. Furthermore, ZnO@TA(50)@CH/PVA film exhibits the maximum UV shielding capacity of UVB (99.994). ZnO@TA(50) @PVA/CH films displayed better tensile strength and Young`s modulus of 48.72 ± 0.23 MPa and 2163.46 ± 61.4 MPa, respectively, than the other film formulations. However, elongation % at break exhibited the most reduced value of 19.62 ± 2.3%. ZnO@TA@CH/PVA film exhibits the largest inhibition zones of 11 ± 1.0, 12.3 ± 0.57, and 13.6 ± 0.57 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans, respectively. In accordance with these results, ZnO@TA@CH/PVA films could be utilized for food preservation for the long-term.

Introduction: Nanoparticles are used in industrial products, such as textiles, to induce novel properties, such as antibacterial, antistatic, UV blocking, self-cleaning properties, wrinkle resistance, and water and oil repellent. Moreover, using enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase) is widespread in detergent industries for washing conditions. Methods: This research examines the interactions between metal (Ag) and metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 and ZnO NPs) and amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase as detergent enzymes and their impacts on enzyme activity. Using a central composite design, a total of 320 experiments under different conditions were conducted to determine the extent of change in enzyme activity. Results indicated that lipase had the lowest activity under interaction with silver nanoparticles, while cellulase and protease were most affected by interactions with Ag NPs and a-TiO2. Results: The surface response of the examined parameters showed the most effect from the interaction time and temperature and the enzyme/nanoparticle ratio and temperature parameters. This research result demonstrated that physical, chemical, and biological differences existed between nanoparticle and enzyme interface. Conclusion: The findings can be used to improve the interaction between nanoparticles and detergent enzymes in washing conditions, aiming to retain their traits.

Transparent metal oxide-based robust, porous, and thin polyurethane coatings for IR, and UV blocking and photocleaning terylene textiles

In this study, we evaluated the UV transmittance of spectacle lenses in the Turkish market, which are reported to have UV blocking properties, and tested their suitability. Samples were obtained from patients who were admitted to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of our hospital for refractive error and who wore glasses as UV block. No limitation was made regarding the spectacle size and duration of spectacle wear. Measurements were tested by the principal investigator using an ultraviolet detector. The right and left lens were measured separately. All measurements were performed at room temperature (22-25°C) in a humidity regulated (20-40%) room without direct light. UV protection level was measured for 120 spectacles used for refractive errors. Only 28 (23.3%) of 120 glasses had protection level up to 400 nm UV. Twenty-four (20%) of the glasses had a protection level of 0 even though they were labeled as having UV blocking properties. It is clear that strict regulations need to be implemented to improve the protection levels of glasses.

Preparation of curcumin-loaded chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol intelligent active films for food packaging and freshness monitoring