Patina-green coloured light emitting polycarbonate films: A synergistic extraction of improved UV endurance and considerate spectral down-conversion

A dramatic increase in UV endurance of polycarbonate (PC) films were achieved via thoughtful intercalation of cesium zincate (Cs₂ZnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs). The augmented UV endurance of PC/Cs₂ZnO₂ nanocomposite (NC) films were analyzed via yellowing index quantification and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements at 1713 cm⁻¹. The foundation for improved UV stability was owed to Cs₂ZnO₂ NPs induced lessening of undesirable photo-degradation reactions. Moreover, the introduced NPs act to dissipate the high energy UV photons via polymer-nano metal oxide induced synergistic spectral down-conversion. The novel spectral down-conversion abilities and patina-green light emitting properties of PC/Cs₂ZnO₂ NC films were valued with UVA-transilluminator coupled fluorescence microscopic studies. Eventually, the synergistic combination of Cs₂ZnO₂ NPs with PC host, wherein the metal oxide offers protection against undesirable photo-degradation reactions, while the polymeric host guards the luminescence centers of nanostructured metal oxides are highly desirable for various photonic and opto-electronic applications.