Photo-oxidation is the result of the combined action of light and oxygen, with the action of sunlight in the presence of the air’s oxygen being the most important example. Photo-oxidation of polymers and other materials leads to degradation, discoloration and product failure unless it is prevented or significantly retarded.
Mayzo supplies products from three general classes of UV stabilizers:
- UV Absorbers (which include benzotriazoles and benzophenones)
- HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers)
- Benzoates
The selection of the appropriate light stabilization system is dependent on a variety of factors including the material type, end-application, material thickness, environment for use, interactions with other components of the system, and performance and cost expectations. Increasingly a formulated solutions approach is utilized which includes consideration of the product form for ease of addition and safety/hygiene requirements.