Antioxidants

Antioxidants are crucial additives in plastics, used to prevent or slow down the degradation of polymers caused by exposure to heat, oxygen, light, or mechanical stress. Without antioxidants, plastics can undergo oxidation, leading to discoloration, brittleness, loss of mechanical properties, and reduced lifespan.

Why Plastics Need Antioxidants

Thermal degradation: During processing (extrusion, molding), plastics are exposed to high temperatures that can break molecular chains.

Oxidative degradation: Oxygen can react with polymers, especially under heat or UV exposure.

UV degradation: Sunlight accelerates oxidation through photo-oxidation.

Applications

Antioxidants are used in various polymers, such as:

Polyethylene (PE)

Polypropylene (PP)

Polystyrene (PS)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyesters (like PET)

Used in packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, and medical devices.