Thursday, 26 February 2015

Additives That Enhance Polymer Properties

Invisible UV radiation breaks down polymer molecules in plastics. This leads to deterioration in physical strength, color and other integral properties of plastics. You must have seen the effects of UV on polymers in stadium seats or in plastic garden chairs. The surface usually turns yellow after prolonged exposure and after a while, big chunks start breaking apart, imparting a really ugly look to it. Something has to be done to arrest deterioration in plastics; thankfully there are products that have been designed exactly for that.

UV Absorbers

Hydroxybenzophenone & hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole are two commonly used Polymer Additives that react with UV rays and prevent it from damaging polymer molecules. After application, it converts UV into harmless infrared rays which keep the plastic protected from the symptoms of UV degradation.

Anti-Microbial Additives
Did you know that untreated polymers can lead microbes to thrive in nooks and corners of plastic furniture at your home? The risk was assessed quite a long time ago and Anti-Microbial Additives were designed to prevent that from happening. Anti-Microbial Additives are commonly applied in all kitchens as well as garden plastic products you will find in market today.

Optical brighteners

The paper we use to write on would have had a yellowish tinge to it had it not been for Polymer Additives that add brightness and whiteness to the final product.  How an optical brightener works is by absorbing invisible ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as visible light in the blue range of the spectrum. Optical brighteners, or fluorescent whitening agents, are used to make plastics, fibers, coatings, inks, and detergents appear whiter and brighter.

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