The plastic antioxidants market size is estimated to be USD 2.0 billion in 2020 and is projected reach USD 2.6 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.3% between 2020 and 2025. The market is mainly driven by the rising demand for plastic antioxidants for polymer resins such as PE, PP, PVC, PS, ABS, and others for industries such as automotive, consumer goods, building & construction, and medical & healthcare.
One of the greatest benefits of using plastics is their longevity. However, when certain polymers are subjected to adverse conditions, such as extreme heat or exposure to certain chemicals, they will break down more quickly. For plastics used in automotive injection molding and thermoforming, we use plastics with antioxidants added to them to extend their life and durability. But what do antioxidants do to plastics? Are they the same as the antioxidants found in vitamins? The antioxidant supplier will answer these questions and more.
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First, let's define the terms we will use to describe this process. Free radicals are uncharged, unstable molecules that are constantly produced through oxidation (a chemical reaction that moves electrons away from existing molecules). Rust is produced when iron reacts with oxygen and the iron molecule loses electrons while the oxygen gains them. Apples turn brown because the fruit enzyme polyphenol oxidase reacts with oxygen in the air.
This is where antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants neutralize free radical molecules that accelerate oxidation and cause damage. You may have heard of healthful antioxidants - vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene are examples of powerful antioxidants found in foods that we can consume to slow the attack of free radicals on our cells. If you dip a cut apple into lemon juice, it won't turn brown as quickly because vitamin C slows down the oxidation process that I neutralizes free radicals.
There are two main types of antioxidants used in plastics.
Primary antioxidants: Known as "chain-breaking antioxidants", they are free radical scavengers that remove alkyl radicals generated when polymer chains are broken at high temperatures and hydroxyl radicals generated from abstract hydrogen; examples include hindered phenols.
Antioxidant 1010 CAS 6683-19-8
Secondary antioxidants: These remove organic hydroperoxides formed when primary antioxidants remove free radicals. If not removed, hydroperoxides can cause new free radical reactions. Examples include phosphites and thioethers.
Often, a mixture of primary and secondary antioxidants work together to achieve superior processes. In injection molding, phosphites stabilize the plastic during melting, while thioethers are ideal for plastics that are often exposed to heat during use.
Anti-ozone agents can also prevent and slow down polymer degradation caused by ozone. This is more likely to affect rubber, since ozone causes cracking, but it also affects plastics.
With plastics, most oxidative degradation is caused by extreme high temperatures, usually above the melting point of the polymer. This most often occurs during the manufacturing process, especially during injection molding, so many of the plastics we use for this manufacturing method include both primary and secondary antioxidants.
In addition, the temperature of the plastic can be affected depending on its use. While most plastics used in food packaging or children's toys do not degrade, materials such as polypropylene used in automotive plastics (e.g., battery housings) are exposed to high temperatures when the car is in motion. Without antioxidants, plastics will have a much shorter lifespan and require more frequent and expensive replacement.
If you want to get more information about the plastic antioxidants, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.
