Development of Highly Ultraviolet-Protective Polypropylene/TiO₂ Nonwoven Fiber

In recent decades, there has been a rise in public consciousness of the adverse effects of expanded skin contact with sunlight, particularly the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. UV radiation causes serious health problems like skin cancer, early aging, erythema, pigmentation, etc., due to contact with the skin. Therefore, the highly efficient UV-protection materials were manufactured using polypropylene and TiO2 (PPTO) through cost-effective and easy methods. The designated 7.5 PPTO and 15 PPTO were prepared, varying the amount of TiO2, as well as without using TiO2 (PPNF), which was also manufactured as a control material. All the as-synthesized nonwoven fibers were carefully characterized employing a variety of microscopic and spectroscopic methods, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. In conclusion, 15 PPTO showed the highest UV-protection ability (87.5%) compared to 7.5 PPTO and PPNF. In addition, 15 PPTO exhibited 1.76 and 1.32 times higher protection than 7.5 PPTO and PPNF, respectively, when exposed to UB-B radiation. The enhanced activity may be due to the amount of TiO2 because TiO2 increased the product's absorption and reflection capability. Overall, the PPTO nonwoven fibers can be applied to block harmful UV radiation.