Sofia Martinez
Plastics are prone to UV damage, which can cause discolouration, changes in texture, and even complete failure of the plastic. UV degradation is caused by the sun's UV rays breaking down chemical bonds in polymers, which can lead to plastics wearing down and disintegrating over time. This process is known as photodegradation or photo-oxidation. To combat this, UV inhibitors, also known as UV absorbers and stabilizers, are added to plastics to protect them from UV degradation and prolong their lifecycles. These UV inhibitors are chemically formulated to absorb the high energy of ultraviolet light and prevent the plastic from coming into contact with most of the UV light's harmful radiation. While these additives are beneficial in protecting plastics from UV damage, it is important to consider whether they may have any potential negative effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UV inhibitors in plastics | Carbon black, benzophenones, benzotriazoles, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and other UV stabilizers and absorbers |
| Purpose | Prevent UV degradation, including discolouration, cracking, and mechanical failure |
| Degradation causes | UV light, heat, light, chemicals, acids, alkalis, salts, bio-degradation |
| Degradation signs | Chalking, crazing, discolouration |
| Degradation effects | Loss of physical properties, reduced molecular weight, reduced lifecycle, reduced durability, reduced impact and tensile strength, increased brittleness |
| Degradation prevention | Use of UV stabilizers and absorbers, blockers, protective coatings, antioxidants |
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What You'll Learn
UV degradation of plastics
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is harmful to the skin and eyes. It also damages plastics and polymers. UV light can be generated artificially, but most of it comes from sunlight. When UV light comes into contact with plastics, it can damage their colour and texture. This is called UV degradation.
The best ultraviolet inhibitor is iron oxide (FeO2) or rust, although this is not practical when clarity is required. Polyester is a good candidate for UV exposure, unlike polypropylene, which has a high degradation rate when exposed to UV light.
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UV stabilizers and absorbers
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can be harmful to the skin, eyes, and polymers and plastic products. UV degradation of plastics can lead to changes in the material's surface layer, causing discolouration, cracking, and even complete failure of the component.
To prevent UV degradation, UV stabilizers and absorbers are added to plastics during the manufacturing process. These additives are designed to prolong the lifespan of plastic products and protect them from the harmful effects of UV light. They work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV radiation before it reaches the material, thereby preventing damage.
UV stabilizers can be divided into four categories:
- Light shielding agents: These act as a barrier, controlling the amount of radiation that reaches the polymer.
- UV absorbers: They absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat energy, preventing it from damaging the material.
- Quenchers: These de-activate excited molecular species generated by UV radiation, converting them into stable, non-reactive forms.
- Free radical trapping agents (hindered amine light stabilizers, HALS or HAS): HALS do not absorb UV light but scavenge the free radicals generated by UV exposure, preventing degradation and maintaining the integrity of the material.
The effectiveness of UV stabilizers and absorbers depends on various factors, including the concentration and placement of the additives, as well as the specific climate and chemical environments in which the plastic product will be used.
Overall, UV stabilizers and absorbers play a crucial role in protecting plastic products from UV degradation, ensuring their longevity and functionality.
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Plastic products and applications
Plastic is used in a wide range of products and applications, from everyday items to specialist components. The largest application of plastic is in packaging materials, with around a third of plastic in developed economies used in packaging. This includes food containers, disposable packaging, and plastic bags. Other everyday applications include consumer goods such as toys, tableware, toothbrushes, and electronics.
Plastics are also used in the construction industry for pipes, gutters, doors, and windows. Plastic insulation, sealants, and other building products can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition, plastics are used in optics to manufacture aspheric lenses and in textiles for stretchable fabrics and fleece.
Plastics are further used in transportation, with up to 20% of plastics used in automobiles. Plastic components in cars include bumpers, body panels, and wing mirrors. Plastics are also used in the manufacturing of bicycles and car interiors, such as instrument panels and door panels. The use of lightweight plastics in cars can increase fuel efficiency and reduce weight.
In the healthcare industry, plastics are used in medical equipment, protective gear, and implants. For example, UHMWPE is used in hip, knee, and spine implants, and polycarbonate plastic is used in protective gear such as riot gear and sunglasses.
Plastics are also used in applications where durability and strength are required, such as military body armour and hydraulic seals. In addition, plastics are used in sports equipment, such as snowboards and boats.
To protect plastics from UV degradation, UV additives, also known as UV absorbers or stabilizers, are used. These additives are designed to prolong the lifespan of plastic products by absorbing ultraviolet light and reducing their exposure to harmful UV radiation.
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UV degradation catalysts
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause significant degradation of many materials, including plastics. UV radiation causes photooxidative degradation, which results in the breaking of polymer chains, the production of radicals, and a reduction in molecular weight. This leads to the deterioration of the material's mechanical properties and renders the material useless after some time.
The effects of UV radiation on plastics will predominantly result in changes to the material's surface layer. Some plastics, when damaged by UV, will ultimately fail altogether. When absorbed by plastics, UV energy can excite photons, creating free radicals, and degradation occurs as catalyst residues act as receptors.
To prevent UV degradation in plastics, blockers, stabilizers, or absorbers can be used. These additives, also known as UV absorbers and stabilizers, are chemically formulated to absorb the high energy of ultraviolet light and protect the plastic product from exposure to this energy. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one such example, and it is often used as a benchmark to evaluate the performance of other catalysts.
One study investigated the performance of TiO2 nanoparticles doped with gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) and zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with Pt. The results showed that 5% Au-doped TiO2 was the most photoactive catalyst among the developed catalysts. This catalyst was also found to be more effective than TiO2 in degrading and converting common plastic wastes to H2.
In addition to these catalysts, other preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of UV degradation in plastics. For example, a material called carbon black can provide protective surface coatings, and benzophenones and other organic compounds can absorb UV light and re-emit it as heat, which is less harmful.
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UV-resistant plastics
Plastics are prone to UV damage. When exposed to UV light, plastics can suffer degradation, discolouration, and loss of strength, becoming brittle and prone to cracking.
There are several ways to increase a material's UV resistance. Some plastics, such as acrylic, Ultem®, PVDF, and PTFE, are inherently UV-stable. However, most plastics require additives or stabilizers to improve their UV resistance. These additives are chemically formulated to absorb the high energy of ultraviolet light and protect the plastic from exposure to this energy.
Some specific examples of UV-resistant plastics include:
- Acrylic, which is popular for outdoor signs and displays due to its good scratch resistance and transparency.
- HDPE, which is often used in playground equipment and open-air infrastructure due to its durability and soft qualities.
- Polycarbonate, which is incredibly impact-resistant and strong, making it ideal for heavy-duty products such as helmets and safety goggles.
- PAI, a high-performance thermoplastic with exceptional UV resistance and good malleability.
- Polyester, including PET, which can hold up for over a decade in the sun.
- PVC, which can last for decades in the sun with proper treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
UV inhibitors are additives that protect plastic from degradation caused by UV light. They are also known as UV absorbers and stabilizers.
UV inhibitors work by absorbing the high energy of ultraviolet light and protecting the plastic product from exposure to this energy. They can also block or stabilize the plastic, creating a protective layer.
No, UV inhibitors are not harmful. They are designed to protect plastic from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can cause discoloration, physical degradation, and mechanical failure.
Some common UV inhibitors include carbon black, titanium dioxide, benzophenones, benzotriazoles, and Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS).
Many industries use plastic products that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as automotive parts, building materials, and consumer goods. You can look for products that are specifically marketed as ""UV resistant"" or have UV inhibitors listed in the product details.
