Preparation of 5-benzotriazolyl-4-hydroxy-3-sec-butylbenzenesulfonate anion-intercalated layered double hydroxide and its photostabilizing effect on polypropylene

An organic UV absorber has been intercalated into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) host by ion-exchange method using ZnAl–NO3–LDH as a precursor with an aqueous solution of the sodium salt of 5-benzotriazolyl-4-hydroxy-3-sec-butylbenzenesulfonic acid (BZO). After intercalation of the UV absorber, the interlayer distance in the LDHs increases from 0.89 to 2.32 nm. Infrared spectra and thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) curves reveal the presence of a complex system of supramolecular host–guest interactions. The thermostability of BZO is markedly enhanced by intercalation in the LDH host. ZnAl–BZO–LDHs/polypropylene composite materials exhibit excellent UV photostability.