Aging of TiO2 nanocomposites used in sunscreen. Dispersion and fate of the degradation products in aqueous environment

Aging in water of a TiO2-based nanocomposite used in sunscreen cosmetics has been studied as a function of light and time. It consisted initially in a TiO2 core, coated with Al(OH)3 and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers. Size measurement, coating alteration, and surface charge were followed by laser diffraction, TEM/EDS, ICP-AES and electrophoretic mobility measurement.The nanocomposite rapidly underwent progressive dispersion in the aqueous phase, enabled by the dissolution of the PDMS layer. A stable suspension of colloidal byproducts from 50 to 700 nm in size was formed. Their positively charged Al(OH)3 surface was evidenced with an isoelectric point around 7–8, controlling the dispersion stability. The critical coagulation concentrations measured with NaCl and CaCl2 was 2 × 10−2 and 8 × 10−3 M respectively. The presence of natural organic matter affected the colloidal stability according to the NOM/byproduct ratio. A 2 wt% ratio favored bridging flocculation, whereas a 20 wt% ratio induced sterical stabilization.