Preparation of nano-TiO2 loaded antioxidant and its anti-aging performance against UV/O3 in thermoplastic vulcanizates

To promote the anti-aging performance of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) versus ultraviolet (UV)/O3 exposure, a nano-TiO2-loaded antioxidant (TiO2-KH570-MB) was prepared by a thiol–ene reaction between 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MB) and modified nano-TiO2 (TiO2-KH570). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the chemical linkage between MB and modified nano-TiO2, and the loading amount of MB was approximately 5.19 wt %. The contact angle test showed that the surface hydrophobicity of TiO2-KH570-MB was significantly increased due to the immobilization of MB. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that TiO2-KH570-MB was uniformly distributed in the TPV matrix. The anti-aging property of TPV compounds was tested in the device with high-intensity ultraviolet radiation and high-concentration ozone. The effects of UV/O3 comprehensive aging on the TPV compounds were evaluated by means of the variations of surface morphology, tensile te...