The main difference between antioxidant masterbatch and anti-thermal aging (or anti-aging) masterbatch lies in their specific functions and the type of protection they provide to plastics:
Antioxidant Masterbatch
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Designed to protect polymers from thermal and oxidative degradation during manufacturing and throughout the product's lifespan.
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Uses antioxidants (primary and secondary) to neutralize free radicals and decomposing peroxides that cause polymer degradation.
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Prevents brittleness, discoloration, loss of mechanical properties due to heat and oxygen exposure.
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Primarily protects the polymer during processing and maintains performance over the life of the finished product.
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Often used in polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.
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Typical antioxidants include phenolic-based primary antioxidants and phosphite or thioester-based secondary antioxidants.
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Enhances thermal stability and oxidation resistance during extrusion, injection molding, and storage.
Anti-Thermal Aging (Anti-Aging) Masterbatch
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Focuses on enhancing the polymer’s resistance to aging effects such as UV radiation, weathering, and temperature fluctuations.
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Helps polymers withstand long-term degradation caused by external environmental factors including sunlight and heat.
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Extends the service life and maintains the appearance and mechanical quality of plastics exposed to outdoor or harsh conditions.
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Commonly applied in outdoor products like roofing materials, pipelines, garden furniture, automotive parts, and construction materials.
In summary, antioxidant masterbatch primarily addresses degradation due to heat and oxygen exposure during processing and use, preventing oxidation and thermal damage. Anti-thermal aging masterbatch is designed to provide long-term protection against environmental aging factors like UV radiation and weathering, maintaining durability and appearance over time.
They may sometimes overlap or be combined for comprehensive protection but serve distinct roles: antioxidant masterbatch is more about internal thermal and oxidative stability, while anti-aging masterbatch is about external environmental resistance.