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Mitigating UV‑C Degradation in Polypropylene Using Hybrid TiO2/Few-Layer Graphene/Photostabilizer Systems
Jessica C Ferreira Gimenez1,2, Robert Paiva1, Sophia H F Bonatti1
1Department of Chemistry, Exact Sciences and Technology Center (CCET), Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Few-layer graphene (FLG) and Irganox B215 enhance UV-C resistance in polypropylene (PP) by scavenging radicals. Combining FLG with titanium dioxide (TiO2) offers synergistic photoprotection for PP medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Photodegradation Studies
Background:
- Polypropylene (PP) is crucial for medical devices but degrades under UV-C light, impacting material integrity.
- Existing photostabilizers like titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Irganox B215 have limitations in preventing UV-induced damage.
- Graphene derivatives, particularly few-layer graphene (FLG), show promise as novel photoprotective agents in polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of FLG and Irganox B215 as radical scavengers against UV-C photodegradation in PP.
- To investigate the combined effects of FLG, Irganox B215, and TiO2 in a photostabilization mixture.
- To optimize UV-C photostabilization using a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach to determine optimal photostabilizer concentrations.
- Employed Infrared spectroscopy and rheological measurements to analyze PP photodegradation.
- Applied Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) to evaluate stabilizer dispersion and radical scavenging activity.
Main Results:
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) confirmed that radical scavengers reduced hydroxyl radical (OH) formation by approximately 30% (FLG) and 25% (Irganox B215) when mixed with TiO2.
- Despite challenges in dispersion, stabilizers showed good distribution, with FLG exhibiting a synergistic effect with TiO2.
- Optimal conditions (3% TiO2, 2% FLG) significantly enhanced PP's UV-C photoprotection by reducing chain scission and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Conclusions:
- FLG and Irganox B215 effectively act as radical scavengers, mitigating UV-C induced degradation in polypropylene.
- The combination of FLG and TiO2 demonstrates a synergistic effect, providing superior photoprotection compared to individual components.
- This study highlights the potential of FLG as an advanced photostabilizer for enhancing the durability of PP in UV-exposed applications, particularly in medical devices.
