Understanding the Superior Thermal Stability and Broad UV Absorption of UV Absorber UV-1164
In the world of polymer stabilization, where sunlight is both a blessing and a curse, one compound has quietly been making waves in recent years — UV-1164, a high-performance ultraviolet absorber. While many UV stabilizers come and go like summer clouds, UV-1164 has managed to carve out a niche for itself due to its exceptional thermal stability and broad UV absorption range. But what exactly makes this molecule so special? Why do engineers, formulators, and material scientists keep coming back to it time and again?
Let’s take a deep dive into the molecular world of UV-1164 and explore why it stands tall among its peers.
What Is UV-1164?
UV-1164, chemically known as 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-octylphenyl) phenol, is a member of the benzotriazole family of UV absorbers. It was developed to address the shortcomings of earlier UV stabilizers, particularly their tendency to volatilize at high temperatures or degrade under prolonged UV exposure.
Unlike some of its cousins who may shy away from heat, UV-1164 thrives in it — quite literally. This little hero not only absorbs harmful UV radiation but also holds up remarkably well when things get hot under the collar (literally).
Basic Product Parameters
Let’s start with the facts. Here’s a quick snapshot of UV-1164’s basic physical and chemical properties:
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₃H₃₀N₄O |
| Molecular Weight | ~362.5 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to white powder |
| Melting Point | 108–113°C |
| Solubility in Water | Practically insoluble |
| UV Absorption Range | 300–380 nm |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent (up to 300°C) |
| Recommended Dosage | 0.1–1.0% by weight |
| Compatibility | Good with most polymers (e.g., polyolefins, PVC, PS) |
| Regulatory Status | Compliant with REACH, FDA, and other major standards |
These parameters give us a glimpse into why UV-1164 is such a popular choice across various industries. Its melting point suggests moderate processability, while its solubility profile ensures compatibility with non-polar matrices like polyethylene and polypropylene.
The Science Behind UV Protection
Before we delve deeper into UV-1164, let’s take a moment to understand how UV absorbers work in general. When sunlight hits a polymer surface, the UV component (especially wavelengths below 380 nm) can initiate a chain reaction of degradation. This leads to phenomena like yellowing, embrittlement, cracking, and loss of mechanical strength.
UV absorbers like UV-1164 act like tiny bodyguards for your polymer molecules. They intercept the incoming UV photons and convert that energy into harmless heat through a process called keto-enol tautomerism. This reversible transformation allows them to continuously absorb UV light without degrading themselves too quickly — kind of like a self-repairing shield.
But not all UV absorbers are created equal. Some burn out after a few hours in the sun; others evaporate during processing. That’s where UV-1164 shines — both literally and figuratively.
Thermal Stability: Standing Tall Under Pressure
One of UV-1164’s standout features is its thermal stability. In industrial applications, especially those involving extrusion, injection molding, or film blowing, materials are often exposed to temperatures exceeding 200°C. Many traditional UV absorbers can’t handle the heat and either decompose or volatilize, leaving the polymer vulnerable to UV damage.
According to a study published in Polymer Degradation and Stability (Zhang et al., 2019), UV-1164 showed minimal weight loss even after being heated at 280°C for 30 minutes. This is significantly better than UV-327 and UV-326, which began to lose mass at around 220°C.
Here’s a comparison table based on TGA (thermogravimetric analysis):
| UV Stabilizer | Onset of Decomposition | Residue at 500°C |
|---|---|---|
| UV-1164 | ~290°C | ~45% |
| UV-326 | ~210°C | ~20% |
| UV-327 | ~220°C | ~15% |
This data shows that UV-1164 not only starts to break down at higher temperatures but also leaves behind more residue — an indicator of its ability to remain active even after thermal stress.
So, if you’re working with processes that involve high-temperature processing, UV-1164 is like the loyal friend who sticks around no matter how hot things get.
Broad UV Absorption: A Full-Spectrum Defender
Another feather in UV-1164’s cap is its broad UV absorption spectrum. Most UV absorbers target specific wavelengths, but UV-1164 covers a wide range from about 300 to 380 nm — right in the middle of the harmful UVB and UVA regions.
To put this into perspective, here’s a comparative absorption range chart (based on UV-vis spectroscopy):
| Wavelength Range (nm) | UV-1164 | UV-326 | UV-531 | UV-9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300–320 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 320–340 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 340–360 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 360–380 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
As you can see, UV-1164 provides coverage across nearly the entire UV-A and UV-B range, offering comprehensive protection. This is particularly important for outdoor applications where polymers are exposed to full-spectrum solar radiation.
A study by Liu et al. (2021) in Journal of Applied Polymer Science demonstrated that polypropylene films containing UV-1164 retained over 90% of their tensile strength after 500 hours of accelerated weathering, compared to only 60% for those with UV-326.
Applications Across Industries
Thanks to its excellent performance profile, UV-1164 finds use in a wide variety of applications. Let’s take a tour through some of the key sectors:
🏗️ Construction & Building Materials
In construction, materials like PVC pipes, window profiles, and roofing membranes are constantly exposed to the elements. UV-1164 helps these materials resist fading, cracking, and brittleness, ensuring they last decades rather than years.
🚗 Automotive Industry
Automotive components such as dashboards, bumpers, and exterior trims need to endure harsh conditions. UV-1164 is often added to thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and polypropylene compounds used in car interiors and exteriors.
🛍️ Packaging Industry
Flexible packaging made from polyethylene or polypropylene can become brittle and discolored without proper UV protection. UV-1164 helps preserve product aesthetics and shelf life, especially for items stored in retail environments with fluorescent lighting.
🧴 Personal Care & Cosmetics
Believe it or not, UV-1164 isn’t just for plastics. It’s also used in cosmetic formulations as a UV filter, particularly in sunscreens and hair products. However, regulatory compliance varies by region, so always check local guidelines before use in consumer products.
🌿 Agriculture
Greenhouse films and agricultural mulch films benefit greatly from UV protection. UV-1164 helps extend the lifespan of these films, reducing plastic waste and maintenance costs.
Synergy with Other Stabilizers
No man — or molecule — is an island. UV-1164 works best when combined with other types of stabilizers, particularly hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) and antioxidants.
HALS don’t absorb UV light but instead trap free radicals formed during photodegradation. Together, UV-1164 and HALS create a powerful defense system — think of it as having both a firewall and antivirus software protecting your computer.
Antioxidants like Irganox 1010 or 1076 further enhance durability by preventing oxidative degradation caused by heat and oxygen. Studies have shown that a blend of UV-1164 + HALS + antioxidant can increase the service life of polyolefin products by up to 5 times compared to using UV-1164 alone (Chen et al., 2020, Polymers for Advanced Technologies).
Environmental and Safety Considerations
While UV-1164 is effective and safe for most industrial uses, environmental impact remains a concern for any chemical additive. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), UV-1164 is classified as non-hazardous under current regulations and does not exhibit significant toxicity to aquatic organisms at typical application levels.
However, as with all additives, proper disposal and recycling practices should be followed to minimize long-term environmental effects.
Cost vs. Performance: Is UV-1164 Worth It?
Like fine wine or vintage vinyl, UV-1164 comes at a price premium compared to older UV absorbers like UV-9 or UV-531. However, considering its superior performance, longer service life, and reduced need for reprocessing or replacement, many manufacturers find it to be a wise investment.
Here’s a rough cost comparison (as of 2024):
| UV Stabilizer | Approximate Price (USD/kg) | Lifespan (Outdoor Exposure) |
|---|---|---|
| UV-1164 | $15–20 | 8–10 years |
| UV-326 | $10–12 | 5–6 years |
| UV-531 | $8–10 | 3–4 years |
| UV-9 | $6–8 | 2–3 years |
So yes, UV-1164 may cost more upfront, but its longevity and reliability often make it the most economical choice in the long run.
Future Outlook and Emerging Trends
With increasing demand for durable, sustainable materials, UV-1164 is poised to play an even bigger role in the future. Researchers are currently exploring ways to improve its compatibility with bio-based polymers and reduce its carbon footprint through greener synthesis routes.
Moreover, there’s growing interest in developing hybrid systems that combine UV-1164 with nanomaterials like TiO₂ or ZnO to create next-generation protective coatings with enhanced barrier properties.
Conclusion
In summary, UV-1164 is more than just another UV absorber — it’s a versatile, high-performing stabilizer that combines excellent thermal resistance with broad-spectrum UV protection. Whether you’re manufacturing automotive parts, greenhouse films, or cosmetic packaging, UV-1164 offers peace of mind knowing your product will stand up to the sun’s harshest rays.
It’s not just about surviving in the sun — it’s about thriving in it. And with UV-1164 on your side, your materials just might live a little longer, look a lot better, and perform far beyond expectations.
References
- Zhang, L., Wang, H., & Li, Y. (2019). "Thermal Stability and UV Absorption Properties of Benzotriazole-Based Stabilizers." Polymer Degradation and Stability, 165, 45–53.
- Liu, J., Chen, X., & Zhao, M. (2021). "Comparative Study of UV Absorbers in Polypropylene Films under Accelerated Weathering Conditions." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 138(12), 50432.
- Chen, R., Huang, T., & Sun, K. (2020). "Synergistic Effects of UV-1164 and HALS in Polyolefin Stabilization." Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 31(8), 1945–1954.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2023). "REACH Registration Dossier: UV-1164."
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2022). "Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS)." Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
If you’re still reading this, congratulations! You’ve just absorbed more knowledge than UV-1164 could ever hope to absorb in a lifetime. 🔆📚
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