Highly Transparent ZnO-SnO2/PMMA UVC Shielding Coatings with Exceptional Mechanical Stability

"UV radiation can have a harmful effect on both humans and the environment. Therefore, developing UV shielding materials is an important step in protecting ourselves and the environment from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Here we present a detailed study of ZnO-SnO2/PMMA nanocomposite coatings, which completely block UVC radiation. Additionally, we study the effect of the addition of ZnO-SnO2 nanoparticles on mechanical properties in the means of Vickers microhardness and find out that they positively affect the microhardness of the PMMA coatings up to a certain concentration. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) reveal quite homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles for lower concentrations and the presence of nanoparticle aggregates for higher concentrations such as 1 wt.% and 5 wt.% of ZnO-SnO2 nanoparticles."