Evaluating the Excellent Hydrolytic Stability and Non-Staining Nature of Primary Antioxidant 1135 Across Various Conditions
Let’s face it — in the world of polymers, rubber, and plastics, antioxidants are like the unsung heroes of material science. They don’t get the spotlight like flame retardants or UV stabilizers, but without them, our materials would age faster than a banana in a sauna. Among these noble defenders of polymer integrity stands Primary Antioxidant 1135, a compound that has quietly earned its stripes for two key properties: hydrolytic stability and non-staining nature.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes 1135 so special, how it performs under pressure (literally and figuratively), and why you might want to give it a second glance when choosing your next antioxidant partner-in-crime.
What is Primary Antioxidant 1135?
Before we jump into performance metrics, let’s get acquainted with our protagonist. Primary Antioxidant 1135, also known by its chemical name Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) — yeah, say that five times fast — is more commonly referred to as Irganox 1010 in commercial circles. It belongs to the family of hindered phenolic antioxidants, which are widely used in polyolefins, engineering plastics, elastomers, and adhesives.
Key Product Parameters
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) |
| CAS Number | 6683-19-8 |
| Molecular Weight | ~1178 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Melting Point | 119–125°C |
| Solubility in Water | Practically insoluble |
| Recommended Dosage | 0.1–1.0 phr* |
| Stabilization Mechanism | Radical scavenging (H-donor) |
*phr = parts per hundred resin
Why Hydrolytic Stability Matters
Imagine you’re baking a cake. You follow the recipe, mix everything perfectly, and pop it in the oven. But halfway through, the kitchen floods. Your masterpiece? Ruined.
That’s kind of what happens to some antioxidants when exposed to moisture. In industrial environments, especially during processing or storage, materials can be exposed to high humidity or even direct water contact. This can trigger hydrolysis, a chemical reaction where water breaks down molecules — not good news for your antioxidant.
But here’s where Antioxidant 1135 shines. Thanks to its robust molecular structure and lack of hydrolyzable groups (like ester or amide bonds that are prone to breaking down in water), it shows remarkable resistance to degradation under humid conditions.
Experimental Data: Hydrolytic Stability Test Results
A study conducted by Zhang et al. (2019) evaluated the hydrolytic behavior of several hindered phenolic antioxidants, including 1135, under accelerated aging conditions (85°C and 85% RH for 72 hours).
| Antioxidant Type | Residual Content (%) After Hydrolysis |
|---|---|
| Irganox 1010 (1135) | 96.4 |
| Irganox 1076 | 82.1 |
| Ethanox 330 | 75.8 |
| BHT | 54.3 |
As seen above, 1135 retained over 96% of its original content, far outperforming other common antioxidants. This means less loss during processing, longer shelf life, and better long-term protection for your polymer systems.
Non-Staining Nature: Keeping Things Clean
Staining isn’t just a problem for white socks and wedding dresses — it’s a real concern in polymer applications, especially those involving light-colored products such as food packaging films, medical devices, or baby toys. Some antioxidants can migrate to the surface over time or react with metals, leaving behind unsightly yellow or brown stains.
Enter 1135, the Mr. Clean of antioxidants. Its non-staining property stems from two main factors:
- Low volatility: It doesn’t evaporate easily, so it stays put.
- No metal interaction: It doesn’t form colored complexes with transition metals like copper or iron.
Real-World Performance: Color Retention Study
A comparative test was conducted by Li & Wang (2021) on PVC samples stabilized with different antioxidants and subjected to heat aging at 100°C for 10 days. The color change (ΔE value) was measured using a spectrophotometer.
| Antioxidant Used | ΔE (Color Difference) | Visual Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Irganox 1010 | 1.2 | No visible stain |
| Irganox MD 1024 | 3.8 | Slight yellowing |
| BHA | 5.1 | Noticeable discoloration |
| None (Control) | 12.4 | Heavily discolored |
With a ΔE value below 2, 1135 passed with flying colors — literally. For reference, a ΔE < 1 is generally considered imperceptible to the human eye, while ΔE > 3 becomes noticeable.
Performance Across Different Processing Conditions
Now that we’ve established its basic merits, let’s explore how 1135 holds up in various industrial settings. Spoiler: it’s like the Swiss Army knife of antioxidants — versatile, reliable, and always ready.
1. High-Temperature Processing
Polymers often endure high temperatures during extrusion, injection molding, or calendering. Under such conditions, oxidation reactions accelerate, and antioxidants are called upon to work overtime.
Thermal Stability Test
An experiment by Kim et al. (2020) tested the thermal degradation of polyethylene stabilized with different antioxidants after being heated at 200°C for 30 minutes.
| Antioxidant | % Degradation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irganox 1010 | 3.2% | Minimal chain scission |
| Irganox 1098 | 4.5% | Slight discoloration |
| BHT | 8.7% | Strong odor development |
| None | 15.6% | Brittle, cracked surface |
Even under intense heat, 1135 maintained structural integrity and minimized degradation, proving itself a dependable ally in high-temperature applications.
2. UV Exposure
Though primarily a primary antioxidant (i.e., it prevents oxidation initiation), 1135 can work synergistically with UV stabilizers. Alone, it offers moderate UV protection due to its phenolic structure absorbing UV radiation.
In a field test by Chen et al. (2022), HDPE sheets with and without 1135 were exposed to simulated sunlight for 1000 hours.
| Sample Type | Tensile Strength Retained (%) | Yellowing Index |
|---|---|---|
| With 1135 | 88% | +2.1 |
| Without | 63% | +6.8 |
While not a full-fledged UV blocker, 1135 definitely slows down photo-oxidative degradation, making it a valuable component in outdoor applications.
3. Humid Environments
We touched on hydrolytic stability earlier, but let’s take a closer look at real-world performance in humid conditions.
A case study by DuPont engineers (2018) examined the use of 1135 in automotive wire coatings exposed to cyclic humidity testing (alternating between 40°C/90% RH and ambient conditions).
| Coating Type | Surface Resistivity (Ω) After 1000 hrs | Cracking Observed? |
|---|---|---|
| With 1135 | 1.3 × 10¹⁴ | No |
| Without | 8.5 × 10¹² | Yes |
The results speak volumes. Not only did 1135 preserve electrical properties, but it also prevented microcracking caused by oxidative stress — critical in safety-sensitive industries like automotive and aerospace.
Comparative Analysis: How Does 1135 Stack Up Against Others?
To fully appreciate 1135’s strengths, it helps to compare it head-to-head with other popular antioxidants.
Table: Comparative Properties of Common Antioxidants
| Property | Irganox 1010 (1135) | Irganox 1076 | BHT | Ethanox 330 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrolytic Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Non-Staining | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Cost Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Volatility | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Metal Deactivator | No | No | No | Yes |
| Synergistic Potential | High | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
📌 Takeaway: While alternatives may offer lower cost or specific functionalities, 1135 delivers unmatched overall performance, particularly in environments where durability and aesthetics matter.
Applications Where 1135 Excels
Thanks to its balanced profile, Primary Antioxidant 1135 finds application across a broad spectrum of industries. Let’s break it down:
1. Packaging Industry
Food packaging needs to be safe, clean, and long-lasting. 1135 ticks all boxes — no staining, low migration, and excellent hydrolytic stability make it ideal for films, bottles, and containers.
2. Automotive Components
From dashboards to wiring insulation, automotive parts need to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. 1135 ensures longevity without compromising appearance.
3. Medical Devices
Where sterility and clarity are paramount, 1135’s non-staining and chemically inert nature shine. It’s compatible with sterilization processes like gamma irradiation and ethylene oxide treatment.
4. Consumer Goods
Toys, household appliances, and electronics benefit from 1135’s ability to maintain product aesthetics over time. Nobody wants their brand-new blender turning yellow after six months!
Environmental and Safety Considerations
In today’s eco-conscious market, sustainability and safety are top priorities. So, how green is 1135?
According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Irganox 1010 is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR substance). It is also not listed under REACH SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) as of 2024.
However, it is persistent in the environment, meaning it doesn’t biodegrade easily. That said, its low toxicity and minimal leaching make it relatively safe for most applications.
Conclusion: A Reliable Workhorse in Polymer Protection
So there you have it — Primary Antioxidant 1135, aka Irganox 1010, is more than just another additive. It’s a trusted companion for any polymer formulation that values durability, appearance, and performance under stress.
Its exceptional hydrolytic stability ensures it won’t wash away when things get damp, and its non-staining nature keeps products looking fresh and professional. Whether you’re making baby bottles or car bumpers, 1135 has got your back.
And if you’re still wondering whether to go with this tried-and-true classic or chase the latest trend in antioxidants… well, sometimes old-school really is best. 🛠️✨
References
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Zhang, Y., Liu, H., & Sun, J. (2019). "Hydrolytic Stability of Hindered Phenolic Antioxidants in Polymeric Systems." Polymer Degradation and Stability, 165, 123–131.
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Li, M., & Wang, Q. (2021). "Color Retention and Stain Resistance of Antioxidants in PVC Films." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 138(15), 50234.
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Kim, D., Park, S., & Cho, H. (2020). "Thermal Oxidation Resistance of Polyethylene Stabilized with Various Antioxidants." Journal of Materials Science, 55(10), 4321–4330.
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Chen, X., Zhao, L., & Yang, F. (2022). "UV Aging Behavior of HDPE with Different Antioxidant Formulations." Polymer Testing, 101, 107456.
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DuPont Technical Report. (2018). "Humidity Resistance of Wire Coatings with Antioxidant Additives." Internal Publication.
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European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2024). REACH Registration Dossier for Irganox 1010. Helsinki, Finland.
Got questions about antioxidant formulations or want help choosing the right one for your project? Drop a comment or send me a message — I’m always happy to geek out over polymer chemistry! 💬🧪
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