Engineering plastics, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) resins and Polycarbonates (PC), are prized for their superior mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and dimensional stability, making them suitable for demanding applications in automotive, electronics, and construction. However, their inherent processing temperatures are often higher than those of commodity plastics, increasing their susceptibility to thermal-oxidative degradation. Antioxidant 168 (CAS 31570-04-4) is an indispensable additive that helps mitigate these challenges.

The Demands of Processing Engineering Plastics
Processing engineering plastics typically involves higher melt temperatures and longer residence times in processing equipment compared to polyolefins. This prolonged exposure to heat, combined with shear forces, can accelerate the oxidative degradation of the polymer. For ABS, this can lead to yellowing and loss of impact strength. For PC, it can result in chain scission, reducing molecular weight and, consequently, mechanical performance and clarity. The goal for manufacturers is to maintain the inherent properties of these high-performance materials throughout processing and into their end-use life.

Antioxidant 168: A Vital Processing Stabilizer
Antioxidant 168 is a highly effective secondary antioxidant that plays a critical role in stabilizing engineering plastics. Its phosphite structure allows it to efficiently decompose hydroperoxides, the insidious byproducts of oxidation. This action prevents the cascade of degradation that can occur at elevated processing temperatures. Key benefits for engineering plastics include:

  • Preservation of Mechanical Properties: By preventing chain scission, Antioxidant 168 helps maintain the original tensile strength, impact resistance, and overall toughness of materials like ABS and PC.
  • Color Stability: It minimizes yellowing and discoloration that can arise from thermal degradation, which is particularly important for applications where aesthetics are critical.
  • Improved Melt Stability: It ensures consistent melt flow during processing, leading to more uniform part quality and reduced scrap rates.
  • Synergistic Protection: When combined with primary antioxidants, it offers robust, long-term protection against both thermal and oxidative degradation.

The Importance of Sourcing from a Reliable Manufacturer
For manufacturers working with ABS, PC, and other engineering plastics, securing a consistent supply of high-quality Antioxidant 168 is essential. As a dedicated supplier of Antioxidant 168 in China, we understand the critical role this additive plays. We offer a product with guaranteed purity, excellent hydrolytic resistance, and low volatility, ensuring optimal performance in your formulations. If you are looking to buy Antioxidant 168 to enhance your engineering plastics, we invite you to contact us for competitive pricing and reliable delivery. We are committed to supporting your production needs with premium chemical solutions.