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A facile method of shielding from UV damage by polymer photonic crystals
Author(s) -
Wang Jingxia,
Liang Jie,
Wu Huimeng,
Yuan Wenfang,
Wen Yongqiang,
Song Yanlin,
Jiang Lei
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.2376
Subject(s) - materials science , optoelectronics , photonic crystal , irradiation , photonics , electromagnetic shielding , polymer , stopband , radiation , photochemistry , nanotechnology , optics , composite material , chemistry , physics , resonator , nuclear physics
BACKGROUND: UV radiation is a potent and ubiquitous carcinogen, which is responsible for most of the skin cancer in the human population. General UV protection materials may produce dangerous degradation products under UV irradiation; therefore, safe, nontoxic and simple UV protection approaches are urgent requirements. RESULTS: A series of photonic crystals with stopband covering the range 200–400 nm have been fabricated which can shield radiation from the whole UV range. Both UV‐visible and 1 H NMR results confirm the effective protection from UV light of 254 nm. CONCLUSIONS: A facile method for UV protection has been demonstrated by utilizing the unusual optical properties of photonic crystals that can inhibit light propagation at a given frequency without specific requirement of chemical composition. This approach opens a new way to protect from UV damage using safe materials, which is of great significance for extending the practical applications of photonic crystals. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry