Weatherability of conventional composites and nanocomposites of PVC and rutile titanium dioxide

Rigid poly(vinyl chloride) [PVC] composites with 0 to 4 wt% of either conventional or nanoscale rutile titanium dioxide filler were injection molded. Rutile titania absorbs solar UVR efficiently and is typically used in rigid PVC formulations as an opacifier and protects the polymer from light‐induced degradation. A comparison of the stabilization effectiveness of the two types of fillers were assessed by monitoring the change in tensile properties and development of light‐induced surface yellowing of the composites on exposure outdoors as well as under laboratory accelerated conditions. A comparison of the conventional and nanoscale uncoated rutile tiania as a light‐stabilizer in rigid PVC is reported. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2135–2141, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers