Investigating the Effect of TiO2 and CeO2 Nanoparticles With UV Stabilizers on Weather‐Resistance of TPU Nanocomposite Films: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT The present work investigates the potential synergy between cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) nanoparticles and organic UV additives (UVAs), and compares it with titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles combined with UVA in enhancing the weather‐resistance performance of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The TPU nanocomposite films have been prepared using the solution casting method with 3, 5, and 7 wt% of nanoparticle loading. FESEM analysis shows the uniform dispersion of nanofillers within the TPU matrix. The nanocomposite films with additives show a maximum increase in ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values (~2000) compared to neat TPU (84.74). The chemical and surface changes of films before and after 300 h of exposure were determined through FTIR, XPS, and SEM techniques. The change in carbonyl index for TPU/CeO 2 /UVA film with 5 wt% loading (C5A) was 20%, while for TPU/TiO 2 /UVA film with 5 wt% loading (T5A) was 59%. After exposure, TPU/CeO 2 /UVA nanocomposite films showed minimal change in the yellowness index (ΔYI). Moreover, C5A film shows maximum retention in tensile strength of about 49% after 300 h exposure. Hence, the combination of CeO 2 nanoparticles with organic UVAs exhibits a synergistic effect, significantly improving the weather resistance performance of aromatic TPU, which can be further used for outdoor applications.