Light Stabilizer  (UV-Absorbers and HALS)

Plastics/ Polymers are irreversibly damaged under the influence of solar radiation.

The effects of the damage are color changes, fading and a deterioration in the mechanical properties, which lead to the failure of the plastic products.

In the case of surface coatings, degradation processes lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties up to the complete destruction of the coating. For example, through cracking or delamination from the substrate.

In addition to solar radiation as a triggering factor, temperature and moisture have a decisive influence on the damage.

Equipping the formulations with UV absorbers and HALS (sterically hindered amines) extends the time to the start of the damage process and reduces the intensity of the damage over time.

The effectiveness of a light stabilizer depends on the type of polymer, the processing conditions and the other components of the formulation. In many applications there is a synergistic effect with stabilizers and antioxidants. Optimal selection of the light stabilizer(s) used in the formulation will therefore result in a significantly longer lifespan for the end product.