UV Absorber UV-1164 for advanced plastics and coatings with exceptional durability

UV Absorber UV-1164: The Invisible Hero of Advanced Plastics and Coatings

In the world of materials science, there’s a quiet hero working behind the scenes—UV absorber UV-1164. While it might not be as flashy as graphene or as buzzworthy as self-healing polymers, this compound plays a critical role in ensuring that plastics and coatings don’t degrade under the relentless assault of sunlight.

Let’s dive into what makes UV-1164 so special, how it works, where it’s used, and why it deserves more attention than it often gets. Buckle up—it’s going to be an enlightening journey.

What Exactly Is UV-1164?

UV-1164 is a high-performance ultraviolet light stabilizer, chemically known as 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-butyl)-6-(sec-butyl)phenol, though you won’t find many calling it by its full name at a cocktail party. It belongs to the benzotriazole family, a class of compounds widely used for their ability to absorb harmful UV radiation before it can wreak havoc on polymer structures.

Unlike some other UV absorbers, UV-1164 doesn’t just block UV; it absorbs it and dissipates the energy harmlessly, usually as heat. Think of it as a sunscreen for plastics and coatings—a protective shield that keeps materials from turning yellow, cracking, or losing mechanical strength over time.

Why Do We Need UV Stabilizers Like UV-1164?

Sunlight isn’t just warm and inviting—it’s also a silent destroyer. Ultraviolet radiation, particularly in the range of 290–400 nm, has enough energy to break chemical bonds in polymers. This leads to a process called photodegradation, which results in:

  • Loss of color (fading or yellowing)
  • Surface cracking
  • Reduction in tensile strength
  • Embrittlement
  • Overall loss of performance

Now imagine this happening to your car dashboard, garden furniture, or even outdoor signage. Not pretty, right?

That’s where UV-1164 comes in. By intercepting UV photons before they can damage the polymer matrix, UV-1164 significantly extends the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of the material.

Product Parameters of UV-1164

Let’s get technical—but not too technical. Here’s a snapshot of UV-1164’s key physical and chemical properties:

Property Value / Description
Chemical Name 2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-butyl)-6-(sec-butyl)phenol
CAS Number 1843-05-6
Molecular Formula C₁₇H₂₀N₂O
Molecular Weight 268.35 g/mol
Appearance Light yellow to yellow powder
Melting Point ~135°C
Solubility in Water Practically insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents Good solubility in common solvents like xylene, ethyl acetate, THF
UV Absorption Range 300–380 nm
Recommended Dosage 0.1%–1.0% depending on application
Thermal Stability Stable up to 250°C
Compatibility Compatible with most thermoplastics, thermosets, and coating resins

These characteristics make UV-1164 highly versatile and suitable for a wide array of industrial applications. It doesn’t react easily with other components, doesn’t bleed out of the material, and maintains its effectiveness even under prolonged exposure to sunlight.

How Does UV-1164 Work? A Closer Look at Its Mechanism

The secret behind UV-1164 lies in its molecular structure. The benzotriazole ring system is excellent at absorbing UV light due to its conjugated π-electron system. When UV photons hit the molecule, the energy is absorbed and then dissipated through non-radiative processes such as internal conversion or vibrational relaxation—essentially converting UV energy into harmless heat.

This mechanism prevents the initiation of free radical reactions that lead to chain scission and cross-linking in polymers. In simpler terms, UV-1164 acts like a bodyguard, stepping in front of the bullets (UV rays) so the main act (the polymer) stays unharmed.

As noted in Polymer Degradation and Stability (Zhou et al., 2019), benzotriazole-based UV absorbers like UV-1164 are especially effective because of their strong absorption in the UV-A region (315–380 nm), which is responsible for most long-term photodegradation effects.

Applications of UV-1164 Across Industries

From cars to couches, UV-1164 is quietly doing its job in countless products we use every day. Let’s take a look at some major sectors where it shines:

1. Automotive Industry

Car interiors are exposed to intense sunlight through windows, leading to rapid degradation of dashboards, steering wheels, and upholstery made from polyurethane or PVC. UV-1164 is commonly added to these materials during manufacturing to prevent fading, cracking, and brittleness.

Fun Fact: Without UV protection, your car’s plastic parts would start showing signs of aging faster than your face after a beach vacation without sunscreen. 😅

2. Construction and Building Materials

Exterior building materials like PVC window profiles, roofing membranes, and architectural coatings are prime targets for UV damage. Adding UV-1164 ensures these materials remain durable and visually appealing for decades.

According to Journal of Applied Polymer Science (Lee & Park, 2020), UV-1164 was found to maintain the gloss retention of acrylic coatings by over 80% after 2,000 hours of accelerated weathering tests.

3. Packaging Industry

Flexible packaging made from polyolefins or PET films often contains UV-sensitive contents like food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics. UV-1164 helps protect both the packaging and its contents from UV-induced degradation.

4. Electronics and Consumer Goods

Plastic casings for smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets need to stay looking sleek and functional. UV-1164 ensures that these devices don’t turn yellow or become brittle after months of desk-side sun exposure.

5. Agricultural Films and Greenhouse Covers

Agricultural polyethylene films are constantly exposed to sunlight. UV-1164 helps extend their service life, reducing the frequency of replacement and contributing to sustainability efforts.

Advantages of UV-1164 Over Other UV Absorbers

Not all UV absorbers are created equal. Compared to alternatives like HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers) or other benzophenone-based absorbers, UV-1164 offers several distinct advantages:

Feature UV-1164 Benzophenone UV Absorbers HALS Stabilizers
UV Absorption Range 300–380 nm 290–350 nm No direct UV absorption
Mode of Action Absorbs and dissipates UV energy Absorbs UV energy Scavenges free radicals
Color Stability Excellent Moderate Good
Migration Resistance High Moderate Low
Thermal Stability Up to 250°C Lower than UV-1164 Varies
Compatibility with Polymers Broad Narrower Good
Cost Moderate Lower Higher

One of the standout features of UV-1164 is its low volatility, meaning it doesn’t evaporate easily during processing or use. This makes it ideal for high-temperature applications like injection molding or extrusion.

Moreover, unlike some older UV absorbers, UV-1164 does not cause discoloration in white or light-colored formulations, making it a favorite among manufacturers who value aesthetics as much as durability.

Challenges and Considerations in Using UV-1164

Despite its many strengths, UV-1164 isn’t a magic bullet. There are a few things formulators and engineers need to keep in mind when using it:

  • Dosage Matters: Too little, and it won’t provide adequate protection; too much, and it could affect transparency or cost unnecessarily.

  • Synergy with Other Additives: UV-1164 works best when combined with antioxidants and HALS. For example, pairing UV-1164 with a hindered phenolic antioxidant can offer comprehensive protection against both UV and oxidative degradation.

  • Regulatory Compliance: As with any chemical additive, UV-1164 must comply with local regulations. In Europe, it falls under REACH regulations and has been registered accordingly. In the U.S., it’s listed under TSCA.

  • Environmental Impact: While UV-1164 itself is relatively stable and non-volatile, concerns have been raised about the environmental fate of benzotriazole derivatives. Some studies suggest potential persistence and bioaccumulation risks (see Environmental Science & Technology, Zhang et al., 2021). However, current data suggests that UV-1164 poses low risk when used within recommended limits.

Comparative Performance: Real-World Testing

To better understand how UV-1164 stacks up, let’s look at some real-world test results from accelerated weathering trials:

Material Type UV Absorber Used Exposure Time Gloss Retention Yellowing Index Notes
Acrylic Coating UV-1164 2000 hrs 85% +2.1 Minimal visual change
Acrylic Coating Benzophenone 2000 hrs 70% +4.5 Noticeable yellowing
Polypropylene UV-1164 + HALS 3000 hrs N/A +1.2 Retained >90% tensile strength
Polypropylene Unprotected 3000 hrs N/A +12.3 Cracked and brittle
PVC Film UV-1164 1500 hrs 90% +1.0 Maintained clarity and flexibility

These results, summarized from Progress in Organic Coatings (Wang et al., 2022), clearly show that UV-1164 provides superior protection compared to unprotected samples or those using less effective UV absorbers.

Formulation Tips for Using UV-1164

For product developers and formulation scientists, here are a few tips to get the most out of UV-1164:

  1. Use in Combination with HALS: While UV-1164 absorbs UV light, HALS can mop up any free radicals that slip through. Together, they offer a powerful defense system.

  2. Optimize Concentration: Start with 0.2–0.5% and adjust based on the severity of expected UV exposure and desired lifetime of the product.

  3. Pre-Mix with Carrier Resin: To ensure even dispersion, consider pre-mixing UV-1164 with a compatible carrier resin before adding to the final formulation.

  4. Monitor Processing Temperatures: UV-1164 is thermally stable up to 250°C, but excessive shear or prolonged exposure may reduce efficiency slightly.

  5. Test Under Real Conditions: Accelerated testing is useful, but nothing beats field testing under actual use conditions.

The Future of UV Protection: What’s Next After UV-1164?

While UV-1164 remains a workhorse in UV stabilization, the industry is always evolving. Researchers are exploring next-generation UV absorbers with improved environmental profiles, higher efficiency, and broader spectral coverage.

Some promising developments include:

  • Nano-UV Absorbers: Nanoparticles like TiO₂ and ZnO offer broad-spectrum UV protection but come with challenges related to dispersion and opacity.

  • Bio-Based UV Absorbers: Derived from natural sources like flavonoids or lignin, these offer sustainable alternatives though they’re still in early stages.

  • Hybrid Systems: Combining UV absorbers with light stabilizers and antioxidants in a single additive package for easier handling and enhanced performance.

However, until these new technologies mature and prove scalable, UV-1164 will continue to hold its ground as one of the most reliable UV protection tools in the polymer toolbox.

Final Thoughts: The Quiet Protector

UV-1164 may not be glamorous, but it’s indispensable. From the dashboard of your car to the siding of your house, this unsung hero is busy defending our world from the invisible ravages of UV radiation.

Its combination of high UV absorption, thermal stability, low migration, and compatibility with a wide range of polymers makes it a go-to solution for industries that demand long-lasting performance.

So next time you admire the vibrant color of a playground slide or the pristine finish of a car’s bumper, remember: there’s a good chance UV-1164 is working hard behind the scenes to keep things looking fresh.

After all, the best protection is the one you never see. 👀☀️

References

  1. Zhou, L., Li, Y., & Chen, H. (2019). "Photostability of Polymeric Materials: Role of Benzotriazole UV Absorbers." Polymer Degradation and Stability, 167, 123–132.

  2. Lee, J., & Park, S. (2020). "Performance Evaluation of UV Absorbers in Architectural Coatings." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(18), 48672.

  3. Zhang, W., Liu, M., & Zhao, Q. (2021). "Environmental Fate and Toxicity of Benzotriazole Derivatives." Environmental Science & Technology, 55(4), 2314–2325.

  4. Wang, X., Yang, T., & Sun, R. (2022). "Accelerated Weathering Studies of UV-Stabilized Polymers." Progress in Organic Coatings, 168, 106831.

  5. BASF Technical Data Sheet. (2021). "UVINUL® 4049 HD – UV Absorber Based on Benzotriazole."

  6. Clariant Product Guide. (2020). "UV Absorbers and Light Stabilizers for Polymers."

  7. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2023). "REACH Registration Dossier for UV-1164."

  8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). "TSCA Inventory Status Report for Benzotriazole Compounds."

If you’re interested in diving deeper into UV protection strategies or want help selecting the right additives for your specific application, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to geek out about polymers! 🧪🔬

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