Investigating the effect of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles on the absorption of Ultraviolet radiation for enhancing the efficacy of Sunscreen products

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1 Department of Material and Metallurgical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. 2 Graphene and Advanced Materials Laboratory (GAMLab.), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Inorganic Pigments and Glazes, Institute for Color Science and Technology (ICST), Tehran, Iran

3 1Department of Material and Metallurgical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. 2 Graphene and Advanced Materials Laboratory (GAMLab.), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The degradation of the ozone layer and consequent increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure have heightened interest in the development of mineral-based sunscreens. This study investigates the absorption characteristics of ultraviolet waves in mineral-based sunscreens formulated with various nanostructures of Zinc Oxide (ZnO), characterized by differing sizes (ranging from 40 to 70 nm) and morphologies, including plate-like, spherical, hedgehog-shaped, and irregular forms (predominately rods). The protective efficacy against ultraviolet radiation was assessed using a visible-ultraviolet spectrometer and a diffuse reflectance spectrometer. The results indicate that most morphologies and dimensions of ZnO nanoparticles enhance the surface area available for the reflection and scattering of ultraviolet rays, thereby increasing the level of protection. Notably, the Z1 sample, exhibiting the plate-like morphology with a plate size of 71 nm, demonstrated the highest absorption rate. Additionally, the study reveals that increasing the concentration of ZnO in sunscreen formulations up to a critical threshold of 15%wt enhances UV protection; however further increases to 21%wt result in a decline in protective efficacy. The sun protection factor (SPF) for the Z1 sample, which exhibited the highest level of protection was calculated to be 47, indicating its potential suitability for commercialization in mineral-based sunscreen products.

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Main Subjects

Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 May 2025

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