Preparation of a Novel UV-Shielding Reagent and Its Effects on Properties of PVC

Abstract Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most used polymers, but the mechanical and esthetic properties can deteriorate for use outdoors because of ultraviolet (UV) light or heat. The addition of stabilizers is indispensable method for improving the stability of PVC. In this work, a facile synthetic method of CeO 2 quantum dots (QDs) was used, for achieving the best dispersion and improvement of anti-UV properties, the surface of CeO 2 QDs was modified by ethyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (EDHB), which was dispersed within the PVC matrix using the casting method to investigate the anti-UV and thermal properties. X-ray powder diffraction spectra (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV spectrophotometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were applied to characterize the structures, morphologies, and properties. The results highlighted that EDHB/CeO 2 can help reduce damages of PVC upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and heat.