Maintain the integrity of polymer properties during processing

Processing is demanding for polymers: Blow molding, extrusion, recycling or fiber processing can harm plastics. With our range of antioxidants, BASF offers various solutions to protect polymers from degradation or gelling during processing.

Blow molding is widely used for manufacturing hollow parts from thermoplastic plastics. In this process a so-called preform is produced which is then blown into a hollow part.  Blow-moldable thermoplastics include, e.g., polyolefins, polyamides, polyester and POM. Products Irgafos^® 168, Irganox^® 245 and Irgastab^® FS 301 are commonly used.

Antioxidants Irganox^® 1010, Irganox^® 1076 and Irgafos^® 168 are the industry standard used mainly in Polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. More than 50 years ago BASF invented Irganox^® 1010. An invention that transformed the plastic industry by significantly extending the shelf-life of polypropylene in high-heat applications. As the flagship product of the antioxidant family, Irganox^® 1010 was the beginning of a success story that has defined today’s benchmarks in plastic additives.

However, BASF’s antioxidant portfolio covers many other polymeric substrates including engineering plastics, polyurethanes, and elastomers.

For example, Irganox^® 1098 is one of the phenolic antioxidants helping to stabilize aliphatic polyamide by improving initial color after polycondensation.

Two major application fields are automotive and construction.

Under the hood of cars, plastics are found in engineering applications such as ductings close to the engine block, turbocharger and other high-performance areas requiring excellent chemical and heat resistance properties. For example, Irganox^® 1076 and Irganox^® 245 are widely used.

Plastic pipes are exposed to different elements that affect their durability and can cause failure, including heat, light and high-pressure during processing and use, as well as the acidity of the soil in which they are buried. For example, Irganox^® MD1024 and Irganox^® 1330.