Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential chemical additives that effectively inhibit oxidative degradation of polymers by interrupting oxidation chain reactions. As a core component of material stabilization systems, antioxidants are widely used in plastics, rubbers, lubricants, petroleum products and other industrial fields.

Working principle:
Antioxidants function through two complementary mechanisms:
Primary antioxidants (radical scavengers): Typical radical scavengers include hindered phenols which terminate oxidation chains by donating hydrogen atoms;
Secondary antioxidants (peroxide decomposers): Typical peroxide decomposers include phosphites which convert hydroperoxides to stable products;
Metal deactivators: They inhibit metal-catalyzed oxidation.

Key Functions:
Prevent thermal-oxidative degradation during production;
Extend product service life
Maintain mechanical properties
Reduce discoloration
Minimize molecular weight reduction

Main Types of FOPIA Products:

Hindered phenols: e.g.ECOSCINOX 1010 (versatile), ECOSCINOX 1076 (extraction-resistant)
Phosphites: e.g. ECOSCINOX 168 (processing stabilizer)

Thioesters: e.g. ECOSCINOX DSTDP (synergistic antioxidant)
Amines: e.g. 6PPD of SENNICS, mainly for rubber products

Applications:
Polyolefin (PP/PE) pipes and films, engineering plastics (PC/ABS etc.), auto-class rubber components, lubricants and fuels, food packaging materials, and wire/cable insulation

Modern antioxidant systems typically employ synergistic blends of primary and secondary antioxidants. As environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, high molecular weight, low volatility antioxidants will be more and more preferred.