Fabrication of ZnO coated nano-TiO2 and evaluation of its efficiency in stabilization of polypropylene fibers

The performance degradation of polypropylene (PP) fibers which induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation are commonly defect in service, especially in the outdoor environment. In this study, ZnO coated nano-TiO 2 with resistance in full range of UV irradiation is prepared by ultrasonic-microwave homogeneous precipitation method. The chemical structure, physical–chemical property, and atomic structure and surface morphology of the ZnO coated nano-TiO 2 are systematically investigated by FTIR, XRD, BET and TEM analysis. The uvioresistant PP fibers are prepared by melting blending method with PP and coated nano-TiO 2 as raw materials. The effect of coated nano-TiO 2 on UV resistance of PP fibers is described by carbonyl index, molecular weight and mechanical property. Results showed that PP fibers with coated nano-TiO 2 exhibited excellent UV shielding effect in full range of UV irradiation.