Antioxidants

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that help prevent or slow down the oxidation process in various materials, such as polymers, lubricants, fuels, and even living organisms. They work by neutralizing free radicals or other reactive species, which can cause damage or degradation to materials and cells. By protecting materials from oxidation, antioxidants can extend the lifespan and maintain the performance of products, while also providing potential health benefits in biological applications.

Features of antioxidants

Oxidation resistance: Antioxidants protect materials from oxidative degradation by neutralizing reactive species or free radicals responsible for oxidation, thereby enhancing their stability, performance, and lifespan.

Preservation of properties: Antioxidants help maintain the properties and quality of various materials, such as color, texture, and mechanical properties, by slowing down the oxidation process.

Multipurpose application: Antioxidants are used in various industries and applications, including food preservation, polymer and rubber stabilization, lubricant additives, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Health benefits: In biological applications, antioxidants provide potential health benefits by neutralizing free radicals in living organisms that can cause cellular damage, aging, and diseases.

Types of antioxidants

Antioxidants can be broadly categorized into the following types:

Primary antioxidants: Also known as chain-breaking or free radical scavengers, primary antioxidants donate hydrogen atoms to quench free radicals and terminate the oxidative chain reactions. Examples include hindered phenols, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ).

Secondary antioxidants: Also known as peroxide decomposers, secondary antioxidants decompose hydroperoxides into non-reactive species, preventing the formation of free radicals that cause further oxidation. Examples include phosphites and thioesters.

Antioxidant synergists: Synergists enhance the effectiveness of primary and secondary antioxidants by chelating metals or by regenerating the antioxidant, thereby prolonging its action. Examples include metal deactivators, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and reducing agents, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Applications of antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential in various industries and applications due to their ability to protect materials and substances from oxidation, which causes aging, degradation, and deterioration. Some common applications of antioxidants include:

Food preservation: Antioxidants are used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products by preventing lipid oxidation and preserving nutritional quality, flavor, color, and freshness.

Plastics and polymers: Antioxidants protect plastic and polymer materials from thermo-oxidative degradation, maintaining their mechanical properties, appearance, and stability during processing and usage.

Lubricants: Antioxidants play a vital role in lubricant formulations by preventing oxidation and degradation. They help to prolong the life of lubricants, ensure continued performance, and protect machinery and engines from wear and damage.

Fuels: In fuels, antioxidants help maintain stability, reduce gum formation, and prevent the formation of deposits and contaminants. As a result, antioxidants contribute to the efficiency of fuel systems and extend the shelf life of stored fuels.

Cosmetics and personal care: Antioxidants are used in cosmetics and personal care products to maintain the stability of formulations, prevent rancidity in oils and fats, and protect active ingredients from oxidation. They also provide potential skin benefits by neutralizing free radicals that can cause aging and damage.

Pharmaceuticals: Antioxidants are utilized in pharmaceutical formulations to preserve the stability and efficacy of active ingredients, ensuring the quality, shelf life, and safety of medicines.

Rubber: Antioxidants help protect rubber products from thermo-oxidative aging, preserving their mechanical properties, appearance, and overall performance.

Adhesives and sealants: Antioxidants are added to adhesive and sealant formulations to maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan by preventing thermo-oxidative degradation.

Healthcare and supplements: As part of healthcare and nutritional supplements, antioxidants provide potential health benefits by neutralizing free radicals in living organisms and helping to protect cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to aging, inflammation, and various diseases.

These applications highlight the vital role of antioxidants in a wide range of industries and products, where they maintain the stability, appearance, performance, and longevity of materials and substances by protecting them from oxidative degradation.

Price of antioxidants

The price of antioxidants can be influenced by various factors:

Type: The specific type of antioxidant, whether primary, secondary, or synergists, can impact its cost.

Quality: The purity, effectiveness, and formulation of the antioxidant can influence its price.

Quantity: Purchasing antioxidants in bulk or larger quantities may result in cost variations.

Manufacturer: Prices may differ depending on the manufacturer, their expertise, market reputation, and the quality standards they follow.

How to select antioxidants？

When selecting antioxidants, consider the following factors:

Application: Evaluate the specific application, such as food preservation, polymer stabilization, or as a lubricant additive, to determine the most suitable antioxidant type and chemistry.

Environment: Consider the conditions under which the material will be exposed, such as temperature, humidity, or exposure to light, to select an antioxidant capable of providing effective protection under such conditions.

Compatibility: Ensure the chosen antioxidant is compatible with the materials or substrates it will be used with, and does not adversely affect the performance or material properties.

Safety and regulations: Choose antioxidants that meet safety standards, have low toxicity, and comply with relevant regulations and certifications in their intended application.

By carefully considering these factors, manufacturers and users can select the most appropriate antioxidants to effectively protect materials from oxidative degradation, extend their lifespan, and maintain their performance in various applications.

Antioxidants Supplier

UNPChemicals is a professional and trusted Antioxidants supplier manufacturing high quality and range of Antioxidants according to your workflows and products. If you are looking for high performance Antioxidants solution, feel free to contact us.