STABILIZATION OF POLYMERS WITH ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES

摘要

A composition and method of making a stabilizer for polymers. The composition has zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles dispersed and having an average size of no more than about 15 nanometers, wherein the ZnO nanoparticles are provided as an additive to a polymeric material, thereby forming a stabilized polymer composite in which the ZnO nanoparticles remain dispersed and have an average size of no more than about 15 nanometers. The stabilized polymer composite is stabilized against heat and ultraviolet light. The polymeric material can be a (meth)acrylic resin, a styrenic resin, a pre-cure epoxy resin, or combinations thereof. In a concentrated form, the composition has ZnO nanoparticles that are typically less than 20% of the stabilized polymer composite. The stabilizer is polymerizable and may include additional additives.