Antioxidants

Today, it is nearly impossible for us to think of a world without plastics. Moreover with recent technological advancements in the plastics manufacturing and processing industry, plastics are being preferred over other materials such as metal, paper, wood, etc by one and all.

However, like everything else, plastics are also subject to degradation, which becomes particularly rapid if they are exposed to oxygen, heat and light. This leads to various problems such as loss of colour, strength, stiffness of flexibility etc., which can be collectively termed as degradation.

What is degradation and why does it happen?

Degradation is a generic term used to describe any change in the polymer properties when compared to the initial desirable properties.

Most commercial plastics are produced using controlled chain reactions to achieve molecules of desired properties. However, once the initial product is exposed to various physiological factors, chemical reactions start within the product and change its chemical and physical properties. The almost inevitable oxidation process starts a chain reaction, which speeds up the degradation unless a stabilizer is used.

Process Stabilizers

After polymerization most plastics are pelletized and shipped to compounders, polymer converters and subsequently to manufacturers of the final plastic article. During processing, the polymer undergoes a series of heating cycles, which usually involve extrusion of molten polymer. Each such cycle causes degradation, a result of the combined action of heat and oxygen. Process stabilizers are antioxidants that are used into the polymer to prevent such degradation during processing.

Krishna offers a range of liquid phosphites, which find application as antioxidants/ process stabilizers in the manufacture and processing of a wide variety of polymers such as: