Researchers at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS) have developed a universal protective filter against ultraviolet radiation by modifying zinc oxide nanoparticles. Transparency is the highlight of the new technology. There is also a Russian patent for the technology.
Most people have experienced a sunburn caused by ultraviolet radiation whose intensity exceeds the skin's natural protective ability to tan. Moreover, ultraviolet radiation can damage many polymers (plexiglass, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), a phenomenon known as ultraviolet ageing.
Various filters and additives to polymer compositions and suntan creams are widely used in the world to protect against radiation's harmful and damaging effects. Filters are usually metal oxide based, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. But some sources have reported that titanium dioxide nanoparticles may cause cancer, while zinc oxide is inconvenient in that it is white in color (it is the main component of ZnO-based white paint).
To achieve a universal UV safety filter, NUST MISIS researchers, in cooperation with the Blokhin Russian Oncological Scientific Center, came up with a new approach based on the chemical synthesis of zinc nanoparticles with a modified surface.
They learned how to control the optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticle-based UV filters directly in the process of their chemical synthesis. During experiments, a solution of nanoparticles and polypropylene film with a nanostructured additive demonstrated 100% absorption of Type B ultraviolet.
Most people have experienced a sunburn caused by ultraviolet radiation whose intensity exceeds the skin's natural protective ability to tan. Moreover, ultraviolet radiation can damage many polymers (plexiglass, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), a phenomenon known as ultraviolet ageing.
Various filters and additives to polymer compositions and suntan creams are widely used in the world to protect against radiation's harmful and damaging effects. Filters are usually metal oxide based, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. But some sources have reported that titanium dioxide nanoparticles may cause cancer, while zinc oxide is inconvenient in that it is white in color (it is the main component of ZnO-based white paint).
To achieve a universal UV safety filter, NUST MISIS researchers, in cooperation with the Blokhin Russian Oncological Scientific Center, came up with a new approach based on the chemical synthesis of zinc nanoparticles with a modified surface.
They learned how to control the optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticle-based UV filters directly in the process of their chemical synthesis. During experiments, a solution of nanoparticles and polypropylene film with a nanostructured additive demonstrated 100% absorption of Type B ultraviolet.