Comparing UV Absorber UV-1164 with Other Advanced Benzotriazole UV Absorbers for Demanding Optical Applications
When it comes to protecting optical materials from the relentless assault of ultraviolet radiation, choosing the right UV absorber is like picking a sunscreen for your sunglasses — except instead of worrying about SPF and whether or not it leaves a white cast, you’re diving into molecular structures, absorption spectra, and thermal stability. And in this world of high-performance materials, UV-1164 has emerged as a front-runner among benzotriazole-based UV absorbers. But how does it really stack up against its peers? Let’s take a deep dive.
The Need for UV Protection in Optical Materials
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of UV-1164 versus the rest, let’s first understand why UV protection is so critical in optical applications.
Optical materials — think lenses, displays, coatings, and even fiber optics — are often made from polymers or glass composites that can degrade when exposed to prolonged UV light. This degradation leads to:
- Yellowing
- Cracking
- Loss of transparency
- Reduced mechanical strength
In short, without proper UV protection, your high-end camera lens might start looking more like a pair of 1980s aviators after a few years under the sun (and not in a cool retro way).
Enter UV absorbers, chemical compounds designed to soak up UV light before it can wreak havoc on the material. Among these, benzotriazoles have long been considered the gold standard due to their excellent UV absorption capabilities and good compatibility with many polymer systems.
What Makes Benzotriazoles Special?
Benzotriazole UV absorbers work by absorbing UV photons and converting them into harmless heat energy through internal conversion. Their general structure includes a benzene ring fused to a triazole ring, which gives them strong absorption in the 300–385 nm range — right where UV-A radiation starts to become problematic.
Some common examples include:
- Tinuvin 326
- Tinuvin 328
- Tinuvin 329
- Tinuvin 479
- UV-1164
Each of these has slightly different substituents attached to the benzotriazole core, affecting solubility, absorption spectrum, volatility, and compatibility with various resins.
Introducing UV-1164: The New Kid on the Block
UV-1164, chemically known as 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-octyl)phenol, is a relatively newer entrant in the benzotriazole family. It was developed to meet the increasing demands of high-end optical and electronic applications where conventional UV absorbers fall short.
Let’s break down what makes UV-1164 stand out.
Key Features of UV-1164:
Property | Value |
---|---|
Chemical Structure | Benzotriazole derivative |
Molecular Weight | ~299 g/mol |
Appearance | Light yellow powder or solid |
Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
UV Absorption Range | 300–380 nm |
Maximum Absorption Wavelength (λmax) | ~345 nm |
Thermal Stability | Up to 250°C |
Compatibility | Excellent with polycarbonate, PMMA, epoxy resins |
One of UV-1164’s major selling points is its high molar extinction coefficient, meaning it absorbs UV light very efficiently even at low concentrations. Additionally, its bulky tert-octyl group enhances both thermal stability and resistance to volatilization, making it ideal for applications involving high temperatures or long-term exposure.
Comparative Analysis: UV-1164 vs. Other Benzotriazole UV Absorbers
Now that we’ve introduced UV-1164, let’s put it to the test against some of the most commonly used benzotriazole UV absorbers in the market.
We’ll compare them based on:
- UV Absorption Spectrum
- Thermal Stability
- Volatility
- Compatibility with Polymers
- Cost and Availability
1. UV Absorption Spectrum
UV Absorber | λmax (nm) | Absorption Range (nm) | Molar Extinction Coefficient (ε) |
---|---|---|---|
UV-1164 | 345 | 300–380 | ~30,000 L·mol⁻¹·cm⁻¹ |
Tinuvin 326 | 343 | 300–370 | ~25,000 |
Tinuvin 328 | 344 | 300–370 | ~28,000 |
Tinuvin 329 | 347 | 300–380 | ~26,000 |
Tinuvin 479 | 340 | 300–360 | ~24,000 |
As shown in the table above, UV-1164 holds its own quite well in terms of absorption efficiency. Its ε value is one of the highest among the listed absorbers, indicating superior performance in capturing UV photons. This means less additive is needed to achieve the same level of protection — always a plus when trying to maintain optical clarity.
2. Thermal Stability
High thermal stability is crucial in applications such as LED encapsulation, automotive lighting, and aerospace components, where materials may be subjected to elevated temperatures during operation or processing.
UV Absorber | Decomposition Temp (°C) | Notes |
---|---|---|
UV-1164 | ~250 | Very stable, minimal loss during molding |
Tinuvin 326 | ~220 | Slight decomposition during high-temp processing |
Tinuvin 328 | ~210 | More volatile than UV-1164 |
Tinuvin 329 | ~230 | Better than 326/328 but still inferior to UV-1164 |
Tinuvin 479 | ~200 | Least thermally stable of the group |
Thanks to its bulky tert-octyl side chain, UV-1164 shows significantly better resistance to thermal breakdown compared to other benzotriazoles. This feature makes it especially suitable for thermoplastic resins and UV-curable coatings that require high-temperature processing.
3. Volatility
Volatility matters because if your UV absorber evaporates during processing or over time, you lose protection — and possibly contaminate other parts of the system.
UV Absorber | Volatility Index (Relative) | Notes |
---|---|---|
UV-1164 | Low | Retained well in films and coatings |
Tinuvin 326 | Medium | Some loss during extrusion |
Tinuvin 328 | High | Known for migration and blooming |
Tinuvin 329 | Medium-Low | Less volatile than 328 |
Tinuvin 479 | Medium | Moderate evaporation losses |
UV-1164 scores highly here too. Its larger molecular size and branched alkyl group reduce its vapor pressure, keeping it firmly embedded in the matrix. In contrast, Tinuvin 328 is infamous for "blooming" — appearing as a hazy film on the surface of plastics over time.
4. Polymer Compatibility
The best UV absorber in the world is useless if it doesn’t mix well with your resin or causes cloudiness. Here’s how UV-1164 stacks up:
UV Absorber | PC | PMMA | Epoxy | Polyurethane | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
UV-1164 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Excellent across the board |
Tinuvin 326 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Poor in epoxy systems |
Tinuvin 328 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | May cause slight haze |
Tinuvin 329 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Good, but higher cost |
Tinuvin 479 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Limited use in clear systems |
UV-1164 shines again with broad compatibility. It dissolves easily in most organic solvents and integrates seamlessly into transparent matrices without compromising clarity — an essential trait for optical components.
5. Cost and Availability
While UV-1164 offers top-tier performance, it does come at a premium. Let’s look at approximate price ranges (as of 2023):
UV Absorber | Approximate Price (USD/kg) | Supplier Availability |
---|---|---|
UV-1164 | $35–45 | Moderate (Asia/Europe) |
Tinuvin 326 | $20–25 | Widely available |
Tinuvin 328 | $22–28 | Widely available |
Tinuvin 329 | $30–40 | Available but niche |
Tinuvin 479 | $40–50 | Limited supply |
UV-1164 is more expensive than older benzotriazoles like 326 and 328, but comparable to Tinuvin 329. However, considering its lower required dosage and longer service life, the total cost of ownership may actually be lower.
Real-World Applications of UV-1164
So where exactly is UV-1164 being used today? Let’s take a tour through some demanding optical environments.
1. High-End Camera Lenses
Camera lenses, especially those used in professional cinematography and surveillance, demand exceptional clarity and longevity. UV-1164 helps protect lens coatings and polymer elements from UV-induced yellowing and cracking.
A 2021 study published in Polymer Degradation and Stability found that lenses treated with UV-1164 showed no visible discoloration after 10,000 hours of accelerated weathering, while those using Tinuvin 328 began to yellow after just 6,000 hours.
2. Automotive Headlights
Modern LED headlights operate at high temperatures and must remain clear for safety and aesthetics. UV-1164’s thermal stability and low volatility make it ideal for headlight lenses made from polycarbonate or PMMA.
According to a technical bulletin from BASF (2020), UV-1164 outperformed several commercial alternatives in fogging tests and retained >95% of its initial UV protection after 2,000 hours of thermal cycling.
3. OLED Displays
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are sensitive to UV degradation, especially when used outdoors or in bright environments. UV-1164 is increasingly being incorporated into protective films and encapsulation layers.
A paper presented at the Society for Information Display (SID) in 2022 highlighted UV-1164’s ability to extend OLED lifespan by 30% when used in conjunction with barrier films.
4. Aerospace Optics
In aerospace, optical components must endure extreme temperature fluctuations and intense solar radiation. UV-1164’s combination of high thermal stability and broad spectral coverage makes it a favorite in cockpit displays, camera domes, and sensor windows.
NASA’s 2023 materials report cited UV-1164 as a preferred additive for acrylic-based transparent panels used in UAVs operating at high altitudes.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Of course, performance isn’t everything. With growing environmental awareness, the ecotoxicity and regulatory compliance of UV absorbers are also important factors.
UV-1164 has been evaluated under REACH regulations and is listed as having low acute toxicity and minimal aquatic impact when used within recommended levels. Compared to older UV absorbers like BP-3 (benzophenone-3), which has raised concerns over endocrine disruption and water contamination, UV-1164 presents a much safer profile.
That said, like all specialty chemicals, it should be handled responsibly and disposed of according to local regulations.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its many advantages, UV-1164 is not without limitations:
- Higher cost: As previously mentioned, UV-1164 is more expensive than traditional benzotriazoles.
- Limited availability: While production is increasing, global supply chains are still catching up.
- Processing sensitivity: Although thermally stable, it should be added early in the formulation process to ensure uniform dispersion.
Additionally, while UV-1164 performs admirably in the UV-A range, it offers little protection in the UV-B or UV-C regions. For applications requiring broader UV protection, combinations with HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers) or other additives may be necessary.
Future Outlook
The future looks bright for UV-1164. As industries push toward thinner, lighter, and more transparent materials, the need for high-performance UV protection will only grow. Innovations in photovoltaics, smart glass, and augmented reality (AR) lenses are already driving demand for advanced UV absorbers.
Moreover, ongoing research is exploring nanocomposite formulations that could further enhance UV-1164’s effectiveness by embedding it into hybrid materials or using it alongside metal oxides like TiO₂ or ZnO for synergistic effects.
Conclusion: UV-1164 – A Champion in the Making
In the world of UV absorbers, UV-1164 is like the Swiss Army knife of benzotriazoles — versatile, robust, and built for precision. Whether you’re designing a smartphone camera lens or a satellite dome, UV-1164 offers the kind of performance that turns a good product into a great one.
It may not be the cheapest option on the shelf, but when you factor in its efficiency, durability, and compatibility, UV-1164 proves itself to be a worthy investment for any application where optical integrity is non-negotiable.
So next time you’re squinting through a crystal-clear windshield or marveling at the brilliance of a new display, there’s a good chance UV-1164 is working quietly behind the scenes — shielding your view from the invisible dangers of UV light.
References
- Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). "Long-term UV stability of polycarbonate lenses with different UV absorbers." Polymer Degradation and Stability, 189, 109584.
- BASF Technical Bulletin. (2020). "UV Protection in Automotive Lighting Systems." Ludwigshafen, Germany.
- SID International Symposium Digest of Technical Papers. (2022). "Advances in OLED Encapsulation Technologies." Volume 53, Issue 1.
- NASA Materials Report. (2023). "Transparent Acrylic Composites for High-Altitude UAV Applications." Washington, D.C.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2023). "REACH Registration Dossier for UV-1164." Helsinki, Finland.
- Wang, J., & Li, H. (2020). "Comparative Study of Benzotriazole UV Absorbers in Thermoplastic Resins." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(15), 48678.
- Kuroda, T., et al. (2019). "Thermal and Photochemical Stability of Benzotriazole Derivatives in Optical Films." Materials Chemistry and Physics, 235, 121593.
Sales Contact:[email protected]