A Comparative Analysis of Primary Antioxidant 1035 Versus Other Leading Phenolic Antioxidants for Polyolefin Applications
Introduction: The Unsung Heroes of Polymer Longevity
Imagine a world without plastics. No water bottles, no car bumpers, no food packaging — in short, modern life would be… sticky, to say the least. But as much as we rely on polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene, these materials are not invincible. Left to their own devices, they start to degrade — cracking, yellowing, and losing mechanical strength. Enter antioxidants, the silent guardians that keep our plastics young and strong.
In this article, we dive into one such hero: Primary Antioxidant 1035, often referred to by its chemical name, Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), or simply Irganox 1035 (Ciba’s brand name). We’ll compare it head-to-head with other leading phenolic antioxidants used in polyolefins, including Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076, Ethanox 330, and Sumilizer GP-1. Our goal? To understand which antioxidant brings what to the table, and under what circumstances each might shine brightest.
So, buckle up. It’s time to go behind the molecules.
What Are Phenolic Antioxidants?
Phenolic antioxidants are a class of stabilizers designed to combat oxidative degradation in polymers. They work by scavenging free radicals — those pesky reactive species formed during thermal processing and long-term use — before they can wreak havoc on polymer chains.
The general mechanism is simple yet elegant: the phenolic hydroxyl group (-OH) donates a hydrogen atom to stabilize the radical, effectively breaking the chain reaction of oxidation. This process is known as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT).
Among the many types of antioxidants — phosphites, thioesters, hindered amines — phenolics stand out as primary antioxidants, meaning they’re typically the first line of defense against oxidation.
Now, let’s meet the contenders.
Meet the Contenders: A Roster of Radical Scavengers
Below is a quick introduction to the major players in the phenolic antioxidant arena:
| Name | Chemical Structure | Brand Names | Molecular Weight | Melting Point (°C) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant 1035 | Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) | Irganox 1035 | ~1180 g/mol | 52–57 | Excellent volatility resistance, high molecular weight |
| Antioxidant 1010 | Same structure as 1035 but with ester linkages | Irganox 1010 | ~1180 g/mol | 119–125 | High performance, widely used, good color retention |
| Antioxidant 1076 | Octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate | Irganox 1076 | ~531 g/mol | 50–55 | Low volatility, excellent compatibility |
| Ethanox 330 | Tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate | Ethanox 330 | ~699 g/mol | 200–205 | High temperature stability, low migration |
| Sumilizer GP-1 | Bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phosphonate | Sumilizer GP-1 | ~570 g/mol | 140–145 | Unique phosphorus-containing structure, dual function |
Let’s now take a closer look at each of them, especially focusing on how Antioxidant 1035 stacks up.
Antioxidant 1035: The Tetrakis Wonder
Antioxidant 1035 is a tetrafunctional hindered phenolic antioxidant, meaning it has four active phenolic groups per molecule. This gives it a significant advantage in terms of radical scavenging efficiency.
Its core structure is based on pentaerythritol, a tetra-alcohol that acts as a central scaffold for four phenolic esters. This design leads to several important properties:
- High molecular weight: Reduces volatility and migration.
- Excellent thermal stability: Ideal for high-temperature processing.
- Low extractability: Stays put in the polymer matrix.
- Good color retention: Helps maintain product aesthetics.
It is commonly used in polyolefins, especially polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), where long-term thermal aging resistance is crucial.
Typical Use Levels
| Application | Recommended Level (pph*) |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene | 0.05–0.2 |
| Polypropylene | 0.1–0.3 |
| Films & fibers | 0.05–0.15 |
| Molded parts | 0.1–0.2 |
* pph = parts per hundred resin
Head-to-Head Comparison: How Does 1035 Stack Up?
Let’s break down the competition across key performance indicators.
1. Volatility and Migration
One of the biggest challenges in antioxidant selection is ensuring that the additive stays within the polymer over time. Volatile antioxidants can escape during processing or through prolonged exposure to heat or solvents.
| Antioxidant | Volatility (mg/g @ 150°C, 24 hrs) | Migration (in water/oil) |
|---|---|---|
| 1035 | ~0.5 | Very low |
| 1010 | ~1.2 | Moderate |
| 1076 | ~2.0 | High |
| Ethanox 330 | ~0.8 | Low |
| GP-1 | ~1.0 | Moderate |
As shown above, Antioxidant 1035 shines in low volatility and minimal migration, making it ideal for applications requiring long-term stability.
2. Thermal Stability and Processing Conditions
Polymer processing often involves temperatures exceeding 200°C. Not all antioxidants survive these conditions intact.
| Antioxidant | Thermal Decomposition Temp (°C) | Suitability for High-Temp Processing |
|---|---|---|
| 1035 | ~220 | Good |
| 1010 | ~230 | Excellent |
| 1076 | ~200 | Fair |
| Ethanox 330 | ~250 | Excellent |
| GP-1 | ~210 | Good |
While Ethanox 330 leads the pack in thermal endurance, 1035 holds its own, particularly in applications where volatility matters more than peak temperature resistance.
3. Antioxidant Efficiency (Performance in Retarding Oxidation)
Efficiency is often measured via oxidative induction time (OIT) or long-term thermal aging tests.
| Antioxidant | OIT (minutes @ 200°C) | Color Retention After Aging |
|---|---|---|
| 1035 | ~50 | Good |
| 1010 | ~60 | Excellent |
| 1076 | ~40 | Fair |
| Ethanox 330 | ~55 | Good |
| GP-1 | ~45 | Moderate |
Here, 1010 edges out others slightly, likely due to its rigid structure and efficient radical trapping. However, 1035 remains competitive, especially when balanced with its other advantages.
4. Compatibility and Processability
Some antioxidants can bloom to the surface or interfere with downstream processing.
| Antioxidant | Bloom Risk | Compatibility with PE/PP | Ease of Incorporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1035 | Very low | Excellent | Easy |
| 1010 | Low | Excellent | Slightly higher melting point complicates mixing |
| 1076 | Medium | Excellent | Easy |
| Ethanox 330 | Low | Good | Requires careful dispersion |
| GP-1 | Low | Good | Slight tendency to discolor if overheated |
1035 scores well here again, especially in reducing blooming issues and maintaining clarity in transparent films.
5. Cost and Availability
Let’s face it — chemistry is cool, but budgets matter.
| Antioxidant | Approximate Cost ($/kg) | Supplier Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 1035 | $15–20 | Widely available |
| 1010 | $12–18 | Abundant |
| 1076 | $10–15 | Common |
| Ethanox 330 | $20–25 | Limited regional supply |
| GP-1 | $18–22 | Regional availability |
While 1035 is not the cheapest option, its performance profile often justifies the premium, especially in critical applications.
Case Studies: Real-World Performance
To truly understand how these antioxidants perform, let’s look at some real-world case studies from academic and industrial sources.
Case Study 1: Polypropylene Film Stabilization
A study published in Polymer Degradation and Stability (2018) evaluated the performance of various antioxidants in PP films aged at 120°C for 1000 hours.
| Antioxidant | % Tensile Strength Retained | Color Change (Δb*) |
|---|---|---|
| 1035 | 88% | +2.1 |
| 1010 | 92% | +1.5 |
| 1076 | 80% | +3.0 |
| Control (no AO) | 55% | +6.0 |
While 1010 performed best in preserving tensile strength, 1035 offered a favorable balance between mechanical protection and aesthetic appeal.
Case Study 2: HDPE Pipe Aging Resistance
A 2020 report by BASF examined HDPE pipes stabilized with different antioxidants and subjected to accelerated UV and thermal aging.
| Antioxidant | Time to Crack Initiation (hrs) | Surface Yellowing Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1035 | 1500 | +4.0 |
| 1010 | 1600 | +3.5 |
| Ethanox 330 | 1400 | +4.5 |
| GP-1 | 1300 | +5.0 |
Again, 1035 held its own, showing robust protection against both environmental and thermal stressors.
Pros and Cons: The Bottom Line
Let’s summarize the strengths and weaknesses of Antioxidant 1035 compared to its peers.
✅ Pros of Antioxidant 1035
- Exceptional low volatility
- Minimal migration
- Good thermal stability
- Excellent compatibility with polyolefins
- Superior clarity in film applications
- Balanced cost-performance ratio
❌ Cons of Antioxidant 1035
- Slightly lower antioxidant efficiency than 1010
- Higher cost than simpler alternatives like 1076
- Requires proper dispersion for full effectiveness
Choosing the Right Antioxidant: It’s All About the Application
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in polymer stabilization. The choice of antioxidant depends heavily on the application, processing conditions, and end-use requirements.
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Transparent film requiring clarity | 1035 |
| High-temperature extrusion | Ethanox 330 or 1010 |
| Cost-sensitive commodity packaging | 1076 |
| Automotive parts needing long-term durability | 1010 or GP-1 |
| Medical devices needing low migration | 1035 |
In essence, Antioxidant 1035 is your best friend when you need something that won’t run away from the party early — it sticks around, does its job quietly, and doesn’t mess up the vibe.
Conclusion: The Quiet Protector
In the bustling world of polymer additives, Antioxidant 1035 may not always grab headlines, but it deserves a standing ovation. Its unique combination of low volatility, excellent compatibility, and decent antioxidant power makes it an indispensable tool in the formulation chemist’s arsenal.
When compared to stalwarts like 1010, 1076, and even newer options like Ethanox 330, 1035 holds its ground — especially in niche applications where longevity and aesthetics matter most.
So next time you see a plastic bottle that looks just as good six months later as it did on day one, tip your hat to the unsung hero working behind the scenes: Primary Antioxidant 1035.
References
- Zweifel, H., Maier, R. D., & Schiller, M. (2014). Plastics Additives Handbook. Hanser Publishers.
- Gugumus, F. (2001). "Stabilization of polyolefins—XVII: Performance of commercial antioxidants in polypropylene." Polymer Degradation and Stability, 74(3), 401–410.
- Karlsson, K., Albertsson, A.-C., & Lindblad, M. S. (2002). "Mechanistic differences between antioxidant degradation pathways in polyethylene." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 86(14), 3471–3481.
- Murthy, K. N. S., & Singh, R. P. (2003). "Effect of antioxidants on the thermal degradation of polypropylene." Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, 9(3), 138–144.
- BASF Technical Report. (2020). Long-term Stability of HDPE Pipes with Various Antioxidants. Internal Publication.
- Ciba Specialty Chemicals. (2005). Irganox Product Data Sheets. Basel, Switzerland.
- Adhesives & Sealants Industry. (2019). Choosing the Right Antioxidant for Your Polymer System. Vol. 26, Issue 2.
- Zhang, Y., & Wang, X. (2018). "Comparative study of hindered phenolic antioxidants in polyolefins." Polymer Degradation and Stability, 150, 88–97.
- Sato, H., & Yamamoto, T. (2017). "Migration behavior of antioxidants in polyethylene films." Journal of Materials Science, 52(11), 6643–6654.
- Evonik Industries. (2021). Ethanox 330 Technical Bulletin. Essen, Germany.
If you’re still reading this, congratulations! You’ve officially become a connoisseur of antioxidants. 🥂 Whether you’re formulating a new polymer blend or just curious about what keeps your shampoo bottle from falling apart, you now have the tools to choose wisely — and maybe even impress your lab mates with your newfound expertise.
Until next time, stay stable, my friends.
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