Effect of UV absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers on the photodegradation of ethylene-octene copolymer

Photodegradation and Photostability of Bamboo: Recent Advances

Bamboo and its products are widely used in indoor and outdoor fields. Photodegradation occurs easily on the surface when bamboo is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from solar radiation. This induces surface discoloration and degrades the physical properties of bamboo, which not only negatively affects its utility and aesthetic characteristics but also restricts its application in outdoor environments. In this work, we review the mechanism of bamboo photodegradation, in which the behavior of lignin is key. The changes in bamboo's microstructure, surface color, and chemical composition during photodegradation are described in detail. Methods for enhancing its photostability, including the application of transparent coatings containing UV absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizer compounds on bamboo surfaces, are then systematically summarized, and potential approaches to combat the photodegradation of bamboo surfaces are discussed. On the basis of the recent advances of photodegradation and photostability of bamboo, this review provides new insights into the scientific application and protection of bamboo in the outdoor field.

Weatherability of Bamboo Scrimber: Enhance in Photostability of Substrate and Coatings

Enhancing the weatherability of bamboo-based products is essential for increasing their application lifespan. In this study, a composite protective coating containing organic and inorganic UV absorbers and a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) was investigated for outdoor bamboo scrimber (OBS). The optical properties of weathered coated and uncoated samples were investigated by colorimetry and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the coating. The addition of HALS improved the photostability of the coating and preserved the properties of OBS. Compared to resin-coated samples, alicyclic amines in HALS inhibit photooxidation reactions between bamboo lignin and the coating adhesive. This inhibition is critical for maintaining the UV-shielding performance of the coating. We have developed a photostable protective coating for bamboo-based products whose widespread use can significantly help conserve critical forest resources.

The Effects of UV Light on the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of a Transparent Epoxy-Diamine System in the Presence of an Organic UV Absorber

Despite several excellent properties including low shrinkage, good chemical resistance, curable at low temperatures and the absence of byproducts or volatiles, epoxy resins are susceptible to ultra violet (UV) damage and their durability is reduced substantially when exposed to outdoor environments. To overcome this drawback, UV absorbers have been usually used to decrease the rate of UV degradation. In this present study, the effects of UV light on the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of cured epoxy structure, as well as the effect of an organic UV absorber, Tinuvin 1130, on the epoxy properties were investigated. Chemical changes in a cured epoxy system as a result of the presence and absence of Tinuvin 1130 were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. The effect of Tinuvin 1130 on the surface morphology of the epoxy systems was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Additionally, the glass transition temperatures (T_g) before and during UV radiation were measured. After an 800 h UV radiation, mechanical test results revealed that the lack of the UV absorber can lead to a ~30% reduction in tensile strength. However, in the presence of Tinuvin 1130, the tensile strength was reduced only by ~11%. It was hypothesized that the use of Tinuvin 1130, as an organic UV absorber in the epoxy-amine system, could decrease the undesirable effects, arising from exposure to UV light.