Phosphite antioxidants function by decomposing peroxides and provide protection to adhesives, plastics, and coatings during high temperature processing but do not provide long term thermal stability. Combinations with phenolic antioxidants often show synergistic performance and are widely used.
Thiosynergists also function by decomposing peroxides. When used in combination with phenolic antioxidants, they provide unsurpassed protection to plastics against exposure to elevated temperatures during end-use. However, they are generally less effective than phosphites in providing protection during high temperature processing operations. Thiosynergists are generally used for applications requiring good long term thermal stability. Such applications include wire and cable, pipe, polyolefin under the hood automotive and adhesives.
