UVB protective polyvinyl alcohol/ZnCeO3 nanocomposite Films: Blue luminescent UV leakage detectors

Abstract

This work focuses on the development of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite (NC) films for UVB shielding and detection applications. The films, incorporating 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 wt% Zinc-doped Cerium Oxide (ZnCeO₃) nanoparticles, were fabricated using a modified solution casting technique. This method enabled rapid solvent removal and efficient film formation. The resulting NC films were characterized using various analytical tools to evaluate their structural, microstructural, morphological, and optical properties. The UVB shielding performance of the PVA/ZnCeO₃ NC films was subsequently assessed by monitoring UVB-induced DNA denaturation in tender coconut extracts. The DNA degradation kinetics demonstrated that the PVA/ZnCeO₃ NC films effectively preserved DNA stability, protecting it from the harmful photo-oxidative effects of high-energy UVB radiation. Further validation of the UVB protective effects was achieved using UV transilluminator measurements. Additionally, the PVA/ZnCeO₃ NC films exhibited visible fluorescent blue light emission upon UVB exposure, highlighting their potential as UVB protective packaging materials and UVB leakage monitors. Hence, this study demonstrates the potential of these NC films to provide effective UVB protection while simultaneously enabling the detection of UVB radiation.