Structural, Thermal and Surface Properties of a Formulated Sunscreen: Zn/Al-nitrate Layered Double Hydroxide Intercalated with 4-aminobenzoic Acid.

Intercalation of 4-amino benzoic acid (4-AB) into Zn/Al-nitrate layered double hydroxide (ZAL2) to form Zn/Al-4AB (ZALAB) compound was successfully synthesized from nitrate salt by using direct co-precipitation method. ZALAB compound was confirmed by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern with a basal spacing of 15.3 Å. The presence of COO- and C6H5NH2 functional groups of 4-AB at 1,517 and 1,178 cm–1 in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum reinforced 4-AB intercalated into the resulting compound. Based on the thermal analysis, 4-AB in ZALAB compound was more stable compared to pure 4-AB. Breuneur, Emmet and Teller/Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BET/BJH) analyses demonstrated that ZALAB compound is a mesopores-type IV compound with 4.25 m² /g surface area. This material is an irregular shape with different sizes of particles. ZALAB is a potential sunscreen formulation that minimizes the harmful effect on the skin, improving pharmaceutical technology in the skincare treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]