Synergistic Effect of ZnO/Chitosan Nanocomposite on the Photostability Enhancement of Polyvinyl Chloride

This study investigates the enhancement of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) properties through the incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and chitosan to improve its resistance to UV-induced photodegradation. The nanocomposites were synthesized by blending ZnO and chitosan with PVC, followed by comprehensive characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of ZnO-chitosan nanoparticles with a crystal size of 25.38 nm, while FE-SEM analysis revealed an average grain size of 76.68 nm, indicating the successful formation of nanoscale materials. AFM demonstrated a significant reduction in surface roughness and photodegradation in the nanocomposite films compared to pure PVC. FTIR analysis revealed lower photodegradation indices (IPO, ICO, IOH) in the nanocomposites across UV irradiation durations of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 h, indicating a delayed formation of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Weight loss and viscosity measurements further confirmed enhanced UV stability, attributed to the synergistic effect of ZnO's UV-shielding properties and chitosan's radical-scavenging capabilities. These results highlight the potential of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites to significantly extend the service life of PVC in harsh environments.