Self‐cleaning Bombyx mori silk: room‐temperature preparation of anatase nano‐TiO2 by the sol–gel method and its application

The aim of this work was to obtain anatase nano‐TiO₂ by the sol–gel method at room temperature and to achieve self‐cleaning Bombyx mori silk fabrics. Nano‐TiO₂ sols based on an aqueous system and an ethanol system were prepared separately by the sol–gel method using tetrabutyl orthotitanate as a precursor at room temperature. Particle size analyses showed that nano‐TiO₂ particles in an aqueous system were much bigger and more variant than those in ethanol. X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed a pure anatase phase of nano‐TiO₂ in an aqueous system. Crystalline transformation of TiO₂ from anatase to rutile by photoradiation at ambient temperature was also proved. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analyses confirmed the phase transformation of nano‐TiO₂. A scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy‐dispersive spectrometer was used to investigate the surface morphology and elements of Bombyx mori silk fabrics. The contact angles with water, the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue, and decontamination of red‐wine‐stained fabrics under ultraviolet radiation demonstrated that the fabrics had good self‐cleaning properties and photoinduced hydrophilicity.     

Effect of titanium dioxide on the UV‐C ageing behavior of silicone rubber

The ultraviolet (UV)‐C ageing behavior of silicone rubber (SiR) incorporated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐TiO₂) was studied under UV‐C radiation. The SiR incorporated with nano‐TiO₂ displayed excellent physical properties when exposed to UV‐C radiation. With the increase of the ageing time, the SiR with nano‐TiO₂ showed no significant change in crosslinking density and Shore A hardness. Moreover, compared with the SiR without nano‐TiO₂, the SiR incorporated with nano‐TiO₂ also exhibited high retention ratio in tensile properties, especially elongation at break. It was found that nano‐TiO₂ was a good ultraviolet light stabilizer during the UV ageing process of SiR and the optimum content of nano‐TiO₂ was 2 phr. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the appearance of O? H and C?O and the decrease of the intensity of SiC₂O₂ in SiR samples during the process of UV‐C ageing. Based on these results, a possible UV ageing mechanism of SiR could be proposed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46099.     

PET/纳米TiO2抗紫外纤维的制备及性能研究

将金红石型TiO2添加至聚合反应体系中进行原位聚合,得到PET／纳米TiO2复合材料,通过透射 电镜(TEM)、扫描探针显微镜(SPM)研究了纳米TiO2在PET基体中的分散情况。将复合材料纺制成纤维, 并进行了力学性能、抗紫外性能等测试。结果表明,金红石型TiO2在基体中分散较均匀,TiO2质量分数为 1％时,基本呈纳米尺寸分散;PET／纳米TiO2纤维中含1％TiO2时,断裂强度较纯PET纤维下降6％左右,断 裂伸长率、结晶度也有所下降。织物对UVA,UVB波段的紫外线具有优异的屏蔽效果,抗紫外因子(UPF 值)可达50以上。     

Structural and ultraviolet‐protective properties of nano‐TiO2‐doped polypropylene filaments

Textiles, with appropriate light absorbers and suitable finishing methods, can be used as ultraviolet (UV) protection materials. In this study, we investigated the effects of nano‐TiO₂ particles on the UV‐protective and structural properties of polypropylene (PP) textile filaments. Master batches of PP/TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by melt compounding before spinning, and filaments incorporating 0.3, 1, and 3% TiO₂ nanoparticles were spun in a pilot melt‐spinning machine. The structural properties of the nanocomposite fibers were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile tests. The UV‐protection factor was determined to evaluate the UV‐protective properties of the filaments. In conclusion, although the structure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite filaments were slightly affected by the addition of nano‐TiO₂, the UV‐protective properties of the PP filaments improved after treatment with nano‐TiO₂, and the nanocomposite filaments exhibited excellent UV protection. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation of novel nano/submicrofiber catalyst containing nano‐TiO2 particles

A novel Nano/submicrofiber catalyst was prepared via electrospinning technology from poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and nano‐TiO₂. First, nano‐TiO₂ particles were added into the mixture of ethanol and deionized water, the mass ratio of ethanol and deionized water was 1 : 1, the TiO₂ suspension was obtained after 1 h with ultrasonic treatment and centrifugal effect, Then PVP was added into the above‐mentioned suspension and the content of PVP in the sol was 28%. The TiO₂/PVP solution was electrospun with different voltage. The effects of the content of TiO₂ and electrospinning voltage on diameter of nano/submicrofiber were studied. The nano/submicrofiber catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microcopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. The results show that the diameter of nano/submicrofiber increases with an increase of the content of nano‐TiO₂ and decreases with the increase of electrospinning voltage. The analytical result showed that the nano‐TiO₂ particles were well dispersed in the matrix of PVP, moreover, the crystal type of nano‐TiO₂ was a mixture of anatase and rutile and the diameter of nano‐TiO₂ particles in the nano/submicrofiber is in the range of 20–60 nm and the nano‐TiO₂ particle was monodisperse, and the nano‐TiO₂ particle and PVP molecule was connected by a hydrogen bonding. This nano/submicrofiber catalyst has a high efficiency on degradation on CH₂O. 56.8 percent of CH₂O was degraded under ultraviolet radiation in 80 min when the content of nano‐TiO₂ is 20% in nano/submicrofibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Balance of mechanical and electrical performance in polyimide/nano titanium dioxide prepared by an in‐sol method

Hybrid polyimide (PI)/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) films were prepared by in situ polymerization and sol–gel and in‐sol methods (where in‐sol method indicates that in situ polymerization and the sol–gel method were used in the same samples). The mechanical and electrical properties were found to be sensitive to the processing methods and the dispersion of nano titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO₂) in the PI matrix. For the PI/TiO₂ films prepared by the in situ polymerization method, their tensile strength increased with increasing TiO_{2‐in situ} (“TiO_{2‐in situ}” is “the TiO₂ nano‐particles prepared by in situ polymerization method”) concentration. However, the optimal corona lifetime of the PI/TiO₂ films was 15 min at 20 kHz and 2 kV because of poor dispersion. For the PI/TiO₂ films prepared by the sol–gel method, the corona lifetime reached 113 min because of superior dispersion and a tensile strength of about 19.63 MPa. A balance of mechanical and electrical performances was achieved with the in‐sol method. The corona‐resistant life of the PI/TiO₂ films was 43 min, which was about six times longer than that of the neat PI. Their tensile strength was 83.5 MPa; these films showed no decrease in this value compared with the pure PI films. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44666.     

Synthesis and characterization of rutile titanium dioxide/polyacrylate nanocomposites for applications in ultraviolet light‐shielding materials

Rutile titanium dioxide (TiO₂)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐acrylic acid‐butyl acrylate) nanocomposites were synthesized via seeded emulsion polymerization and characterized by Fourier transmission infrared, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis to study their UV‐shielding property. The effects of the nanoseed types, surfactant concentrations, and functional monomer amounts on the polymerization conversion, particle size, emulsion stability, and morphologies of the resulting nanocomposites were investigated. The dependence of UV‐shielding performance on the nanoparticle content and dispersion was also explored. The optimized results are obtained with 2 wt% of TiO₂ nanoparticles addition, and the effectiveness of UV shielding is significantly increased by using the synthesized rutile nano‐TiO₂/polyacrylates, for which the nanocomposite coating with a thickness of 200 μm could block up to 99.99% of UV light (≤350 nm) as confirmed by UV–vis spectrometry. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:8–16, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis,physical properties,and characterization of starch‐based blend films by adding nano‐sized TiO2/poly(methyl metacrylate‐co‐acrylamide)

The purpose of this study was to improve the physical properties and to expand the application range of starch‐based blend films added nano‐sized TiO₂/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) (PMMA‐co‐AM). Starch‐based blend films were prepared by using corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), nano‐sized PMMA‐co‐AM, nano‐sized TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles, and additives, i.e., glycerol (GL) and citric acid (CA). Nano‐sized PMMA‐co‐AM was synthesized by emulsion polymerization and TiO₂ nanoparticles were also prepared by using sol–gel method. Nano‐sized TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles were synthesized by wet milling for 48 h. The morphology and crystallinity of TiO₂, nano‐sized PMMA‐co‐AM and TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles were investigated by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). In addition, the functional groups of the TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM particles were characterized by IR spectrophotometry (FTIR). The physical properties such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%E), degree of swelling (DS), and solubility (S) of starch‐based films were evaluated. It was found that the adding of nano‐sized particles can greatly improve the physical properties of the prepared films. The photocatalytic degradability of starch/PVA/nano‐sized TiO₂/PMMA‐co‐AM composite films was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) and acetaldehyde (ATA) as photodegradation target under UV and visible light. The degree of decomposition (C/C₀) of MB and ATA for the films containing TiO₂ and CA was 0.506 and 0.088 under UV light irradiation and 0.586 (MB) and 0.631 (ATA) under visible light irradiation, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Finishing of cotton fabrics with aqueous nano‐titanium dioxide dispersion and the decomposition of gaseous ammonia by ultraviolet irradiation

An aqueous dispersion of nano‐titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO₂) was prepared and mixed with a silicone softener to establish a finishing bath. Cotton fabrics were treated with this finishing bath with a pad–dry–cure process and were then characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The gaseous ammonia was derived from an environmental condition simulated chamber. The specifically designed photocatalytic reactor was used to assess the factors, including the dosage of the aqueous dispersion of nano‐TiO₂, the nature of the fabric, the direct dye, and the water‐repellent agent, that affected the decomposition efficiency of ammonia in air. In addition, nano‐TiO₂‐finished fabrics were evaluated with respect to whiteness and breaking tension properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 286–291, 2006     

Synthesis of conducting polyaniline/TiO2 composite nanofibres by one‐step in situ polymerization method

Conducting polyaniline (PANI)/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) composite nanofibres with an average diameter of 80–100 nm were prepared by one‐step in situ polymerization method in the presence of anatase nano‐TiO₂ particles, and were characterized via Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, UV/vis spectra, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as conductivity and cyclic voltammetry. The formation mechanism of PANI/TiO₂ composite nanofibres was also discussed. This composite contained ～ 65% conducting PANI by mass, with a conductivity of 1.42 S cm^?1 at 25°C, and the conductivity of control PANI was 2.4 S cm^?1 at 25°C. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Polyacrylate‐core/TiO2‐shell nanocomposite particles prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization

We report the preparation of polyacrylate‐core/TiO₂‐shell nanocomposite particles through in situ emulsion polymerization in the presence of nano‐TiO₂ colloid obtained by the hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride. The resultant colloidal system can be stable for months without any precipitation. In a typical sample, the diameter of nanocomposite particles was about 150 nm, and the thickness of TiO₂‐shell was 4–10 nm. Only cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was employed to provide the latex particles with positive charge, which was enough for the formation of fine TiO₂ coatings. Three initiators were tested. Ammonia persulfate was the most suitable one, because the cooperative effect was formed by the negatively charged TiO₂ particles and the terminal anionic group (SO₄^2?, the fraction of Ammonia persulfate) of the polymer chain on the surface of latex particles to maintain the stability of nanocomposite system. The pH value played a vital role in obtaining a tight TiO₂ coating. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Atomic force microscopy were used to characterize this nanocomposite material. It was found that rutile and anatase coexisted in the nanocomposite film. This may suggest a potential application in the field of photocatalytic coating. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1466–1470, 2006     

Preparation and characterization of polystyrene/titanium dioxide composite particles containing organic ultraviolet‐stabilizer groups

Polystyrene/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) composite particles containing organic ultraviolet (UV)‐stabilizer groups were prepared by the emulsion copolymerization of styrene and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylpropoxy)benzophenone with sodium sulfopropyl lauryl maleate as a surfactant in the presence of rutile TiO₂ modified with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate, and the product was poly[styrene‐co‐sodium sulfopropyl lauryl maleate‐co‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylpropoxy) benzophenone] [poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA)]/TiO₂ composite particles. The structures of the composite particles were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The Fourier transform infrared and UV–vis measurements showed that poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA) was grafted from the surface of TiO₂, and this copolymer possessed a high absorbance capacity for UV light, which is very important for improving the UV resistance of polystyrene. The thermogravimetric analysis measurements indicated that the percentage of grafting and the grafting efficiency could reach 513.9 and 59.9%, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry measurement indicated that the glass‐transition temperature of the poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA)/TiO₂ composite particles was higher than that of poly (St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA).These research results are very important for preparing polystyrene with high UV resistance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence characteristics of SnO2 nano‐tube/wire arrays fabricated by LPD method

In this study, SnO₂ nano‐tube/wire arrays with a diameter in the range of 90‐120 nm and several micrometers in length were synthesized by the liquid phase deposition (LPD) method. The study of structural properties was performed by XRD, Raman and TEM, while the optical properties were measured using UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of the nano‐tubes/wires revealed the presence of 5 vibration peaks assigned to the tetragonal rutile SnO₂ structure in agreement with the XRD results. The estimated optical direct band gap from UV‐visible absorption spectra was found to be 3.73‐3.88 eV. The observed blue shift of the optical band gap can be explained by the higher formation of mesoporous particles on the exposed surface to the photons. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the nano‐tubes/wires exhibited a rather broad and intense emission band centered at around 560‐569 nm.     

Atomic layer deposition TiO2/Al2O3 nanolayer of dyed polyamide/aramid blend fabric for high intensity UV light protection

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can cause a severe damage to textiles, such as color fading, polymer degradation, and mechanical strength decrease. The aim of this study was to deposit inorganic UV blocking agents onto polyamide/aramid dyed fabric using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to produce functional fabrics that are resistant to high intensity UV light. Scanning electron microscopy (coupled to energy‐dispersive spectroscopy), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry studies demonstrated that TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂/Al₂O₃ nanolayer could be successfully deposited onto the fiber surface. The dyed fabrics with different ALD coatings showed excellent high intensity UV resistance and were also more resistant to high intensity UV‐induced mechanical strength damage. These results suggested that the ALD technology could be effective technique to improve the properties of dyed fabrics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1296–1302, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of carbon‐coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles as a photostabilizer on the photodegradation of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)

In this study, nanocomposites of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (UPVC) using the synthesized carbon‐coated titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles and commercial powder of titanium dioxide (with rutile structure) were prepared by melt blending. The presence of carbon‐coated TiO₂ nanoparticles with rutile structure in UPVC matrix led to an improvement in photo stability of UPVC nanocomposites in comparison with commercial UPVC. The photocatalytic degradation behavior of nanocomposites was investigated by measuring their structural changes, surface tension, and mechanical and morphological properties before and after UV exposure for 700 h. It was found that mechanical and physical properties of UPVC nanocomposites are not considerably reduced after UV exposure in the presence of carbon‐coated TiO₂ nanoparticles even in small percentage of nanoparticles in comparison with the presence of commercial TiO₂ particles. Therefore, it can be concluded that UPVC/TiO₂ nanocomposite with low content of carbon‐coated TiO₂ nanoparticles(0.25 wt %) illustrated high stability under light exposure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40228.     

Multifunctionality of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofiber webs containing titanium dioxide

We prepared titanium dioxide/PVA nanocomposite fiber webs for application in multifunctional textiles by electrospinning. The morphological properties of the TiO₂/PVA nanocomposite fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Layered fabric systems with electrospun TiO₂ nanocomposite fiber webs were developed using various concentrations of TiO₂ and a range of web area densities, and then the UV‐protective properties, antibacterial functions, formaldehyde decomposition ability, and ammonia deodorization efficiency of the fabric systems were assessed. Layered fabric systems with TiO₂ nanocomposite fiber webs containing 2 wt% TiO₂ nanoparticles at 3.0 g m^?2 web area density exhibited an ultraviolet protection factor of greater than 50, indicating excellent UV protection. The same system showed a 99.3% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus. Layered fabric systems with TiO₂ nanocomposite fiber webs containing 3 wt % TiO₂ nanoparticles at 3.0 g m^?2 web area density exhibited a 85.3% reduction in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Titanium dioxide nanocomposite fiber webs containing 3 wt % TiO₂ nanoparticles at 3.0 g m^?2 web area density exhibited a formaldehyde decomposition efficiency of 40% after 2 h, 60% after 4 h, and 80% after 15 h under UV irradiation. The same system showed an ammonia deodorization efficiency of 32.2% under UV irradiation for 2 h. These results demonstrate that TiO₂ nanocomposite fibers can be used to produce advanced textile materials with multifunctional properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Multifunctional properties of polyester fabrics modified by corona discharge/air RF plasma and colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles

In this study the possibility of tailoring the textile nanocomposite materials based on the polyester fabric and TiO₂ nanoparticles that can simultaneously provide desirable level of antibacterial activity, UV protection, and self‐cleaning effects with long‐term durability was investigated. To enhance the binding efficiency of colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles, the surface of polyester fabrics was activated by low‐pressure RF air plasma, and corona discharge at atmospheric pressure. Obtained functionalized textile materials provided maximum antibacterial efficiency against gram‐negative bacterium E. coli. High values of UV protection factor (UPF) indicate the maximum UV blocking efficiency (50+) of these fabrics. The results of self‐cleaning test with blueberry juice stains and photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution confirmed excellent photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles deposited on the fiber surface. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Double‐functional characteristics of a surface molecular imprinted adsorbent with immobilization of nano‐TiO2

A new chitosan molecular imprinted adsorbent obtained by immobilization of nano‐TiO₂ on the adsorbent surface (surface‐imprinted adsorbent with nano‐TiO₂) was prepared. Based on photocatalytic reaction and the surface molecular imprinting technology, this new kind of surface‐imprinted adsorbent with immobilization of nano‐TiO₂ can not only adsorb template metal ions but can also degrade organic pollutants. The results showed that, after the nano‐TiO₂ was immobilized on the adsorbent surface, the adsorption ability for the imprinted ion (Ni²⁺) of this new imprinted adsorbent immobilized with nano‐TiO₂ was not affected, but the degradation ability for p‐nitrophenol (PNP) of the surface‐imprinted adsorbent with nano‐TiO₂ increased three‐fold compared with that of the surface‐imprinted adsorbent without nano‐TiO₂, from 23.8 to 76.1% (at an initial PNP concentration of 20 mg·dm^?3). The optimal TiO₂ concentration in the adsorbent preparation was 0.025 g·TiO₂ g^?1 adsorbent. The removal capacity for PNP reached 60.25 mg·g^?1 (at 400 mg·dm^?3 initial PNP concentration) under UV irradiation. The surface‐imprinted adsorbent with nano‐TiO₂ can be reused for at least five cycles without decreasing the removal ability for PNP and the imprinted ion (Ni²⁺). Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Solid‐state synthesis and characterization of polyaniline/nano‐TiO2 composite

Polyaniline/nano‐TiO₂ composites with the content of nano‐TiO₂ varying from 6.2 wt % to 24.1 wt % were prepared by using solid‐state synthesis method at room temperature. The structure and morphology of the composites were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical performances of the composites were investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge measurement, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results from FTIR and UV–vis spectra showed that the composites displayed higher oxidation and doping degree than pure PANI. The XRD and morphological studies revealed that the inclusion of nano‐TiO₂ particles hampered the crystallization of PANI chains in composites, and the composites exhibited mixed particles from free PANI particles and the nano‐TiO₂ entrapped PANI particles. The galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements indicated that the PANI/nano‐TiO₂ composites had higher specific capacitances than PANI. The composite with 6.2 wt % TiO₂ had the highest specific capacitance among the composites. The further electrochemical tests on the composite electrode with 6.2 wt % TiO₂ showed that the composite displayed an ideal capacitive behavior and good rate ability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Studying the mechanisms of titanium dioxide as ultraviolet‐blocking additive for films and fabrics by an improved scheme

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has good ultraviolet (UV)‐blocking power and is very attractive in practical applications because of such advantages as nontoxicity, chemical stability at high temperature, and permanent stability under UV exposure, for example. Development of nanoscience and ‐technology provides new ways for better treatment for UV‐resistant films and fabrics using TiO₂. However, the exact mechanisms of TiO₂ as a UV‐blocking additive are still not very clear, and researchers hold different views on this issue. The aim of this investigation was to study systematically the mechanisms of TiO₂ as a UV‐blocking additive for films and fabrics. To achieve this goal, the conventional scheme describing light interactions with fabrics was revised based on more recent progress in optical theory, and special experiments and analytic methods were used in the investigation. Several effects attributed to the nanoscale additives were identified. Moreover, detailed analyses based on the results yielded a few important suggestions useful in developing or improving both inorganic UV‐blocking agents and the UV‐protective films and textiles. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3201–3210, 2004