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Daily life exposition to different sources of UV Light: while the sun is our primary natural source of UV radiation, artificial light sources may also incur into unique hazardousness, according to its wavelength range of the emitted UV radiation.


The sun emits electromagnetic radiation of different energy according to its wavelengths Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is defined as that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between X rays and visible light. 
Some of the radiation, such as that making up the colours of the rainbow, is visible by humans while the part of radiation beyond the violet end of visible light is called UV radiation and can not be seen by humans eyes.


The UV spectrum is divided into: 
• Vacuum UV (40-190 nm);
• Far UV (190-220 nm);vlt 
• UVC (220-290 nm);
• UVB (290-320) and
• UVA (320-400 nm)

Effects of the UV radiation can be either positive or negative to humans and our ecosystem, according to the World Health Organization:

Positive

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    Are necessary for our body to produce vitamin D, a substance that helps strengthen bones and safeguards against diseases as lowering the risk of getting some kinds of internal cancer, like colon cancer
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    UV rays are also used in various commercial functions, such as disinfecting fish tanks or sterilizing medical equipment
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    Ultraviolet rays have their place in our ecosystem
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    Animal life makes their own use of these wavelengths too – certain animals can actually see ultraviolet light, and use it to their advantage, while bees use the reflection of UV off of flower petals to guide their pollen collecting
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    Pest Control – Insects are attracted to the UV light and killed by the electric shock in bug zappers
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    Picking out counterfeit banknotes – Genuine banknotes have fluorescent marks that are visible only under ultraviolet light

Negative

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    Effects on the environment is considered the largest problem caused by UV radiation due to the depletion of the ozone layer. Even though some species respond positively, extensive tests in several countries have shown that hundreds of species of plants and animals display negative effects from an increase in UV radiation
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    Natural UV light reaches the planet surface and can be just as harmful as some artificial light sources that also contain UV radiation levels
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    As humans, we are exposed to different sources of UV radiation and so are the products we use in our daily lives. Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun may cause painful sunburns, wrinkling and premature ageing of the skin as well as increase the risk of skin cancers and cataracts
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    Many polymers used in plastic consumer products are degradable by UV radiation.  When exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period, discoloration or even cracking of the polymer chain may occur

The selection of active ingredients of the masterbatch will filter specific UV radiation wavelength

UV absorbance is strongly dependent on the thickness of the application and the concentration of UV absorber in the masterbatch dosed.

The wavelength range that is to be blocked by the UV masterbatch is dependent on the UV absorption of the ingredients that need UV protection.

 

Effect of UV absorber in PET film 450um

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Additional challenges such as UV additive intrinsic color and its volatility are considered by Sukano experts during tailored masterbatch formulation:

Additional challenger ar incorporated to the masterbactches manufacturers and convertors by the UV volatility during extrusion
 

Loop

What is the polymer and processing conditions of your application?
What is the thickness of your final part?
What wavelength protection is needed by your product?

Sukano technical experts will assist you to select a product or tailor made one of your choice respecting all requirements of your final application.

Sukano’s experts and state-of-the-art analytical laboratory are available to test and run trials to report on your specific performance needs and application requirements

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