Abstract
Numerous potential UV absorbers were prepared to prolong the life of natural dye gardenia blue. The effect of these compounds in reducing photofading was examined on a polymer substrate. The use of commercial UV absorbers was not necessarily effective in improving the light fastness of the color. However, benzophenone type UV absorbers containing a built-in UV absorber moiety remarkably retarded the photofading rate. The combined use of these UV absorbers and singlet oxygen quencher played a very useful role in the photofading protection of natural dye. These stabilizers were deemed safe following evaluation of antimicrobial activity. It is proposed that 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxy-5-benzotriazolylbenzophenone and its derivatives may be used as effective stabilizers in the fading of natural dyes.
