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Polymer coatings for UV shielding: chemistry and sustainability
A new review provides a comprehensive overview of polymer-based coatings designed to protect materials from UV radiation. It examines the role of key polymer matrices, organic and inorganic UV absorbers, and hindered amine light stabilisers, while highlighting recent advances in bio-based polymers, low-VOC formulations and green chemistry approaches.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation presents a significant challenge to both human health and the durability of materials, driving growing demand for advanced protective coating systems. Polymer-based coatings have emerged as particularly versatile solutions, combining chemical innovation with sustainable material strategies to deliver effective UV radiation shielding across a broad range of industrial and consumer applications. In a recent review, Abd El-Gawad provides a comprehensive overview of the composition, protective mechanisms and sustainability aspects of these coating systems.
The review emphasises the pivotal role of polymer matrices – including acrylics, polyurethanes, epoxies and fluoropolymers – in determining the intrinsic UV stability of the coating. Building on this foundation, the incorporation of organic UV absorbers, inorganic nanoparticles and hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS) is discussed as a key route to enhanced protection. Organic absorbers and HALS primarily act through molecular stabilisation, while inorganic absorbers reinforce UV shielding via scattering and absorption. Hybrid systems that combine both approaches typically deliver improved durability and long-term coating stability.
Reading tip: Additives for water-borne coatings
Water-borne systems are the coatings of the future. The market is developing an insatiable appetite for ecologically sound coatings based on renewable raw materials. The demands on coating performance are at least as high as those on environmental compatibility. Additives help to protect the environment by effectively reducing the use of organic solvents. Many of today’s water-borne coatings could not be formulated without them. When incorporated into water-borne paints, coatings and printing inks, they enhance both the production process and the performance of the applied inks and coating materials.
“”Additives for Water-borne Coatings“” is a must read for formulators wishing to brush up on water-borne coating systems, as well as experts seeking to have detailed knowledge at their finger tips.
Sustainable design and application outlook
Alongside performance considerations, the review devotes particular attention to recent advances in sustainable practices. These include the use of bio-based polymers, low-VOC formulations and green chemistry approaches aimed at minimising environmental impact without compromising performance. Such developments respond to increasing regulatory pressure and market expectations for eco-efficient coating solutions.
By integrating chemical, functional and environmental perspectives, the article offers a consolidated view of current progress, existing challenges and future directions for the design of eco-friendly, high-performance UV-shielding polymer coatings. Application areas span architecture and automotive coatings through to aerospace, electronics and outdoor equipment, underlining the broad relevance of continued innovation in this field for both material durability and sustainability targets.
Source: Abd El-Gawad, W. M., Recent advances in polymer-based coatings for UV radiation shielding: Chemistry, sustainability and future perspective. Progress in Organic Coatings, 110232 (2026).
