Stabilisers

Stabilisers work by preventing or slowing down harmful processes such as oxidation, UV degradation or thermal degradation. They improve the service life and functional properties of materials, particularly plastics and elastomers.

Main functions

• Heat protection: prevent thermal decomposition during processing.

• UV protection: protect against destruction by UV radiation.

• Oxidation protection: reduce the chemical reaction with oxygen that leads to material degradation.

• Colour stabilisation: prevent discolouration caused by light or heat.

There are different types of stabilisers, used depending on the material and application:

Type	Function	Typical applications
Heat stabilisers	Protect materials during processing at high temperatures	Thermoplastics, PVC, engineering plastics
UV stabilisers	Prevent degradation by UV rays	Outdoor applications, films, coatings
Antioxidants	Reduce oxidation by oxygen	Elastomers, plastics, technical applications
Hydrolysis stabilisers	Protect polymers against hydrolysis caused by moisture	Polyesters, polyurethanes
Colour stabilisers	Prevent yellowing or colour change	Coloured plastics, paints

Stabilisers work in different ways to interrupt harmful processes:

1. Radical scavengers

Capture free radicals produced by UV radiation or thermal stress before they attack the polymer structure.

2. Absorbers

UV absorbers take up the energy of UV rays and convert it into harmless heat.

3. Chemical inhibitors

Slow down or stop chemical reactions such as oxidation by oxygen.

4. Neutralisation

Neutralise harmful acids or other chemical degradation products in the material.

Stabilisers are used in a wide range of industries and products:

Plastics industry

• Thermoplastics: protection against heat and UV degradation during production and use.

• Films: longer service life thanks to UV and oxidation protection.

Rubber industry

• Elastomers: improved ageing resistance thanks to antioxidants.

• Tyres: protection against weathering and ozone attack.

Construction industry

• Facade materials: UV stabilisers in plastic cladding and seals.

• Pipelines: heat stabilisers for PVC and PE pipes.

Automotive industry

• Interior parts: colour and UV stabilisers in plastics for dashboards and trim.

• Exterior parts: protection of bumpers and coatings against UV radiation.

Stabilisers offer numerous advantages:

• Longer service life: materials retain their mechanical and visual properties for longer.

• Protection during processing: reduce damage during manufacture and processing.

• Wider range of applications: materials can be used under more demanding conditions.

Using stabilisers also involves some challenges:

• Complexity: choosing and dosing stabilisers correctly requires expertise.

• Costs: high-performance stabilisers can be expensive.

• Regulation: some stabilisers are subject to strict environmental regulations (e.g. the REACH Regulation).

• What are UV stabilisers? UV stabilisers protect materials against damage from UV radiation by absorbing the energy of the rays or interrupting chemical processes.

• Which stabilisers are used in the rubber industry? Mainly antioxidants and antiozonants, to prevent the ageing of elastomers.

• Are stabilisers harmful to health? Modern stabilisers are often environmentally friendly and safe to use, but older substances such as heavy metal compounds can be problematic.

• Can stabilisers be recycled? Stabilisers often remain in the material and can therefore remain effective in the recycling process.

Stabilisers are essential additives that improve the longevity, function and safety of plastics, elastomers (rubber) and other materials. They protect against degradation by heat, light, oxygen and moisture and extend the range of applications for materials. Despite the challenges of selection and cost, stabilisers remain an indispensable part of modern materials science and processing.