Nanosilica-immobilized UV absorber: synthesis and photostability of polyolefins

A nanosilica-immobilized UV absorber (SiO2-APTMS-UVA) was prepared by the following methods: the fumed nanosilica was first modified with an aminosilane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) and then reacted with hydroxy-benzoyl chloride. Several measurements confirmed that the UV absorber was chemically immobilized on the surface of the nanosilica. SEM observation showed that SiO2-APTMS-UVA was homogeneously dispersed in the matrix of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). The photo-degradation of the nanocomposites was evaluated by an accelerated aging test. It was found that the SiO2-APTMS-UVA has a great effect on preventing the degradation of LDPE or PP under UV exposure. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry