Teknomekanik
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): Regular Issue

Trends in anti-UV films or composites: A bibliometric study

Dieter Rahmadiawan (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
Thiago F. Santos (Postgraduate Program in Chemical Engineering, Technology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil)
Navid Aslfattahi (Department of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic)
Shih-Chen Shi (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
Eko Indrawan (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia)
Athaya Ramadhan (Laboratory of Nanoscience and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Indonesia)
Zainal Abadi (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Dec 2025

Abstract

Anti-UV films and composites play a critical role in protecting materials from ultraviolet-induced degradation, which can weaken polymers, reduce product lifespan, and compromise performance in sectors such as food packaging, outdoor coatings, and biomedical devices. The growing emphasis on sustainability and the need for environmentally friendly protective materials have further accelerated research on UV-shielding technologies that incorporate biopolymers, multifunctional additives, and renewable resources. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on anti-UV films and composites over the period 2014–2024. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using Bibliometrix (R package) and VOSviewer were employed to analyze publication patterns, map keyword networks, and visualize thematic evolution, as these tools enable robust quantitative and structural mapping of large bibliographic datasets. Three dominant thematic clusters were identified: (i) nanoparticle-based UV shielding using inorganic fillers such as ZnO and TiO₂, (ii) multifunctional films integrating UV protection with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and (iii) biopolymer-based matrices emphasizing mechanical durability and environmental sustainability. These clusters highlight the convergence of performance, sustainability, and multifunctionality as key drivers shaping current research directions. Despite significant progress, the analysis reveals limited attention to scalability, industrial compatibility, and long-term performance evaluation. The findings underscore the need for future research to incorporate pilot-scale processing, life-cycle assessments, and interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge the gap between laboratory formulations and commercial implementation. Overall, this bibliometric study provides a consolidated understanding of the evolution and research landscape of anti-UV films and composites.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

teknomekanik

Publisher

Subject

Mechanical Engineering

Description

Teknomekanik is an international journal that publishes peer-reviewed research in engineering fields (miscellaneous) to the world community. Paper written collaboratively by researchers from various countries is encouraged. It aims to promote academic exchange and increase collaboration among ...