Chiguard®: Enhancing Product Long Last with UV Stabilizers
🔹The Role of UV Stabilizers
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can degrade and damage polymers over time, commonly seen in daily life as plastic parts, coatings and textiles, ...etc. UV stabilizers are additives that effectively preventing this UV-induced degradation. They play a crucial role in extending product lifetime when exposed to sunlight.
🔹The Types of UV Stabilizers
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UV Absorbers (UVA)- Absorb incoming UV radiation and convert it to harmless heat rather than reactive chemical energy. This prevents UV penetration and damage, especially important to keep polymer transparency. Common organic UVA include benzophenones, benzotriazoles, and triazines.
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Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS)- Scavenge free radicals formed by UV exposure. Free radicals can induce chain reaction in polymers, as oxidation started and propagated, where HALS performing to remove free radicals at ambient conditions with very thin dosage.
🔹How UV Stabilizers Work
UVA and HALS are two types of ultraviolet stabilizers, with different functions, but they are often used together to provide more comprehensive UV protection.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is high-energy radiation, and the primary function of UVA is to absorb the energy of UV rays, preventing them from damaging the polymer material's structure and thereby slowing down or preventing its degradation. The role of UVA is similar to a barrier that blocks the penetration of UV rays, especially crucial for applications that require maintaining the transparency of the polymer.
On the other hand, HALS serves a different function. It does not absorb UV rays but instead neutralizes free radicals formed due to UV exposure. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can trigger chain reactions in polymers, leading to degradation and oxidation. The role of HALS is to neutralize these free radicals at ambient temperature with minimal dosage, preventing the damage they can cause.
In the past few decades, scientists have developed various chemical molecules, allowing UVA and HALS, as UV stabilizers, to be applied to different types of polymers. Some molecules have been specifically developed to meet particular application requirements.
The simultaneous use of UVA and HALS achieves a synergistic effect, providing broader UV protection. UVA prevent the penetration of UV rays, while HALS clears the free radicals induced by UV rays. This dual action works synergistically to counteract the damage mechanisms caused by UV radiation, thereby extending the product's lifespan.
🔹Key Applications
- Plastics - e.g. outdoor furniture, fittings
- Coatings - e.g. automotive, industrial
- Adhesives, sealants
- Textiles/fabrics - e.g. awnings, apparel
🔹The Impact on Product Long Last
Properly formulated UV stabilizers have a transformative effect on the usable lifetime of UV-exposed products. By integrating these additives into the manufacturing process, product developers ensure that their creations endure the challenges posed by UV radiation, offering consumers durable and visually appealing solutions.
