七月的仓库像个蒸笼，一批发往汽配厂的PP仪表台料，在露天堆场放了三周后表面开始粉化，指甲一刮就掉白屑。客户整批退货，物流费加补货成本，一趟亏了小十万。配方师复盘时发现，抗氧剂只加了单剂1010，没配辅抗氧168，高温仓储下提前消耗殆尽。
一吨塑料里那零点几公斤的抗氧剂，平时没人想起它，一出黄变全车间头一个找它。
本文由长期经营塑料原料及助剂的宁波市科隆新材料有限公司整理，牌号与批次信息以实际供货渠道为准。
抗氧剂速查总表：四大体系一页看完
做改性塑料的都知道，抗氧剂不是一种东西，而是一个体系。主抗氧剂负责“捉”自由基，辅抗氧剂负责“拆”过氧化物，两者搭配才能形成完整防线。下面这张表把主流品种的关键参数和典型用途列清楚，选型时先定体系再谈牌号。
| 体系 | 代表品种 | 关键参数 | 典型制品 | 添加比例 |
|---|
| 受阻酚类（主抗氧） | 1010、1076、1098 | 分子量500-1200，氮含量0-3% | 汽车件、家电、管材 | 0.1%-0.3% |
| 亚磷酸酯类（辅抗氧） | 168、626 | 磷含量4%-10%，水解稳定性各异 | 挤出造粒、薄膜、纤维 | 0.1%-0.2% |
| 硫代酯类（辅抗氧） | DLTDP、DSTDP | 硫含量约20%，长效耐热 | 电缆、热水管、厚壁件 | 0.1%-0.3% |
| 复合/复配型 | 1010+168、1076+168 | 主辅比1:1或1:2 | PP/PE/ABS通用改性 | 总0.2%-0.4% |
注：表中参数为通用范围，不同厂商牌号存在差异，实际选型以官方TDS及批次检测报告为准。选型逻辑很简单：先定基材和工况，再选主抗氧体系，最后配辅抗氧，别反过来。
图1 抗氧剂——塑料材料的氧化防护屏障
抗氧剂不是加得越多越好，复配比单剂靠谱
别急着翻牌号，先认识下这位幕后角色。宁波市科隆新材料有限公司长期经营各类塑料助剂及改性原料，覆盖国内外多个品牌货源，在抗氧剂、光稳定剂、润滑剂等常用助剂品类上有稳定的供货渠道。而抗氧剂这个品类，本质上是塑料材料的“保鲜剂”——塑料在加工和使用过程中会接触热、氧、光，产生自由基链式反应，导致分子链断裂、交联、变色、性能下降。抗氧剂的作用就是中断这个链式反应，延缓老化速度。
抗氧剂就像塑料的“维生素E”，量不多，但缺了它材料老得快。
从机理上讲，抗氧剂分两大阵营。主抗氧剂（受阻酚类、胺类）通过给出氢原子来捕捉过氧自由基，把活泼的自由基变成稳定的分子；辅抗氧剂（亚磷酸酯类、硫代酯类）则负责分解氢过氧化物，把它变成无害的醇和酮。两者的关系像消防队里的灭火器和消防员——一个控火，一个清场，缺了谁都不行。
主抗氧和辅抗氧不是可以互相顶替的备胎，它们管的根本不是同一场仗。
很多刚入行的配方工程师有个误区：觉得抗氧剂加得越多越好。实际上，受阻酚类抗氧剂过量会导致“酚黄变”——在NOx气体环境下，酚类抗氧剂会反应生成黄色的醌式结构，制品表面发黄。亚磷酸酯类过量则可能水解，产生酸性物质腐蚀模具和螺杆。所以行业里有句话：抗氧剂是“味精”，提鲜就行，放多了反而坏了一锅汤。
哦，你管这叫“耐老化”？150℃热老化72小时就脆裂，这是放了个暑假。
逐品种速查：1010是通用王，1076管透明，1098守PA
抗氧剂的牌号看起来多，其实抓住几个主力品种就能覆盖八成应用。下面逐个拆解，每个品种讲清楚定位、参数、适用信号和注意事项。
PP改性的抗氧配方，与其纠结单剂，不如把1010和168这对老搭档一次配齐。
1010（四[β-(3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苯基)丙酸]季戊四醇酯）：受阻酚类主抗氧剂的“通用王”，分子量1178，挥发性低、耐萃取、与树脂相容性好。几乎所有聚烯烃（PP、PE）和工程塑料（ABS、PBT、PS）都能用。选它的信号：制品不复杂、要求长效耐热、对成本敏感。注意：1010在薄膜和纤维中可能有喷霜风险，超薄制品建议换1076。
供货提示：1010这类通用抗氧剂科隆新材长期有货，每批随附热老化检测数据，试样可以按公斤级拿，先做平行对比再定批量。
1076（β-(3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苯基)丙酸正十八碳醇酯）：受阻酚类主抗氧剂，分子量531，比1010小一半，与树脂相容性更好、不易喷霜，特别适合薄膜、纤维和透明制品。选它的信号：做PE薄膜、PP纤维、透明PS/ABS件。注意：1076分子量小，挥发性比1010高，高温加工（>260℃）场景建议搭配1010使用。
1098（N,N’-双-(3-(3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苯基)丙酰基)己二胺）：受阻酚类主抗氧剂，分子量637，含氮结构，专门为聚酰胺（PA6、PA66）设计。PA加工温度高（260-290℃）且在热水中容易老化，1098的耐抽出性和耐热水性比1010好得多。选它的信号：做PA6/PA66改性、热水管、汽车发动机周边件。注意：1098价格比1010高，非PA基材一般不用。
透明件选1076+168，PA66耐热水选1098+168，高温PPS/PEEK选1010+626，别搞混。
168（三(2,4-二叔丁基苯基)亚磷酸酯）：亚磷酸酯类辅抗氧剂的“标配”，分子量647，磷含量约4.8%，加工稳定性好，能有效抑制加工过程中的黄变和熔体流动速率变化。几乎所有改性配方里都有它的身影。选它的信号：挤出造粒、注塑加工、需要抑制加工黄变。注意：168有一定水解敏感性，高湿度环境下储存要注意密封，长期存放可能结块。
626（双(2,4-二叔丁基苯基)季戊四醇二亚磷酸酯）：亚磷酸酯类辅抗氧剂，分子量604，磷含量约10.3%，比168高一倍多，高温稳定性更好，特别适合PPS、PEEK等高温工程塑料（加工温度300℃以上）。选它的信号：做PPS/PEEK改性、高温尼龙、需要300℃以上加工稳定性。注意：626水解敏感性比168更强，储存和使用时要严格控制湿度。
DLTDP（硫代二丙酸二月桂酯）：硫代酯类辅抗氧剂，分子量514，硫含量约12.3%，长效耐热性好，与受阻酚类主抗氧剂有协同效应，特别适合电缆、热水管、厚壁制品等需要长期耐热的场景。选它的信号：做PVC电缆料、PE热水管、需要100℃以上长期热稳定。注意：硫代酯类有轻微气味，食品接触和低VOC场景要谨慎使用。
替代对照：进口牌号能不能换？先看这张表
很多采购问得最多的一个问题是：进口抗氧剂能不能用国产替代？答案是：可以，但有前提。抗氧剂的核心指标（分子量、纯度、灰分、挥发分）国产和进口的差距已经很小，但在批次稳定性、低聚物控制、有色杂质含量上仍有差异。下面这张表列出常见的替代方向和切换前提。
| 原用进口方向 | 典型应用 | 可对标方案 | 切换前提 |
|---|
| 巴斯夫Irganox 1010 | PP/PE通用改性 | 国产1010（多家厂商） | 小试对比热老化150℃×168h、黄变指数、MFR变化 |
| 巴斯夫Irganox 1076 | 薄膜/纤维/透明件 | 国产1076 | 对比相容性、喷霜测试、透光率变化 |
| 巴斯夫Irganox 1098 | PA6/PA66耐热水 | 国产1098 | 对比耐水抽出率、130℃水煮1000h性能保留率 |
| 巴斯夫Irgafos 168 | 通用加工稳定 | 国产168 | 对比水解稳定性、加工黄变ΔE、磷含量 |
| 巴斯夫Irgafos 626 | PPS/PEEK高温 | 国产626 | 对比320℃加工稳定性、高温黄变、水解稳定性 |
上表只是替代方向的对照，不等于两家性能画等号。替代的正确顺序是：小试→平行测试→客户书面确认→小批量→放量，任何一步出问题都要停下来排查。
替代测试最磨人的是数据比对——科隆新材提供公斤级抗氧剂试样时随附批次热老化检测数据，客户可以直接跑150℃×168h平行对比，不用再自己从零攒基线。
加了抗氧剂还黄变？先查烘干温度和螺杆转速，别上来就怪助剂不行。
行业场景速查：不同制品对抗氧剂的要求差在哪
同样是抗氧剂，做汽车保险杠和做食品包装盒，要求完全不一样。下面这张表按行业拆解，帮你快速定位该用什么体系。
| 行业 | 典型制品 | 客户最先问的参数 | 推荐体系 | 认证要求 |
|---|
| 汽车 | 保险杠、仪表台、门板 | 热老化150℃×1000h、低温冲击 | 1010+168+硫代酯复配 | IATF 16949、低VOC |
| 家电 | 洗衣机桶、空调外壳、冰箱内胆 | 长期耐热、耐候、黄变 | 1010+168通用复配 | RoHS、REACH |
| 管材 | PPR热水管、PE给水管 | 110℃静液压、耐水抽出 | 1010+168+DLTDP | GB/T 18742、FDA |
| 薄膜 | BOPP包装膜、PE农膜 | 加工稳定性、透光率、喷霜 | 1076+168 | FDA、GB 4806 |
| 电子电器 | 连接器、线圈骨架、开关 | 高温加工稳定、阻燃协同 | 1010+626（高温） | UL黄卡、RoHS |
| 纤维 | PP无纺布、PA工业丝 | 纺丝稳定性、耐抽出 | 1076+168 | OEKO-TEX |
举个具体场景：做汽车仪表台，客户要求150℃热老化1000小时后冲击强度保留率>80%，同时低VOC。这时候单用1010+168不够，需要加硫代酯类（DLTDP）做长效耐热，同时注意抗氧剂本身的VOC贡献——1010挥发性低，比小分子抗氧剂更适合低VOC要求。
添加量与搭配要点：四个配方记住就够了
抗氧剂的添加量和搭配是有规律的，不用每次都从零试。下面四个配方是行业里验证过的通用方案，覆盖大部分场景。
PP改性要耐老化，就上1010+168复配，别纠结单剂。
◆ 通用PP/PE改性：1010（0.1%-0.2%）+ 168（0.1%-0.2%），主辅比1:1或1:2，总0.2%-0.4%。这是最常用的配方，八成改性料都在用。
◆ 透明薄膜/纤维：1076（0.1%-0.2%）+ 168（0.1%-0.2%），总0.2%-0.4%。1076相容性好、不喷霜，适合超薄和透明制品。
◆ PA6/PA66耐热水：1098（0.2%-0.3%）+ 168（0.1%-0.2%），总0.3%-0.5%。1098耐水抽出，PA加工前必须烘干（80-100℃×4-8h）。
◆ 高温PPS/PEEK：1010（0.1%-0.2%）+ 626（0.1%-0.2%），总0.2%-0.4%。626磷含量高、高温稳定性好，适合300℃以上加工。
搭配要点还有三条：一是抗氧剂和光稳定剂有协同效应，户外件建议HALS+UV吸收剂+抗氧剂三重协同；二是抗氧剂和阻燃剂可能有冲突——溴系阻燃剂在高温下会释放HBr，可能消耗抗氧剂，需要适当增加抗氧剂用量；三是回收料中抗氧剂已经消耗了一部分，回料比例超过30%时要补加抗氧剂，通常补加原配方的30%-50%。
别小看这0.1%的抗氧剂，它正悄悄在挤出机里替你挡住黄变。
抗氧：复配才稳。
加工与合规红线：这四个坑别踩
抗氧剂用不好，不是黄变就是脆裂。下面这张表把加工环节的关键参数和做错的后果列出来，照着做能避开八成的坑。
| 环节 | 参考值 | 做错的后果 |
|---|
| 抗氧剂预混 | 高速混合机3-5分钟，转速500-1000rpm | 混合不均→局部黄变、性能波动 |
| 挤出温度 | PP 190-230℃，PA 260-290℃，PPS 290-320℃ | 温度过高→抗氧剂提前消耗、制品黄变 |
| 螺杆转速 | 300-500rpm（根据机型调整） | 转速过高→剪切热大、抗氧剂消耗加快 |
| 物料烘干 | PA 80-100℃×4-8h，PC 120℃×3-4h | 未烘干→水解、抗氧剂失效、制品起泡 |
| 储存条件 | 阴凉干燥、密封、温度<30℃、湿度<60% | 受潮→亚磷酸酯水解、结块、效果下降 |
合规红线也要注意：食品接触制品用抗氧剂必须符合GB 4806.10或FDA 21 CFR相关条款，出口欧盟要符合REACH和EU 10/2011；电子电器制品要符合RoHS；汽车制品要符合IATF 16949和各车企的VOC标准。抗氧剂的合规文件（FDA符合性声明、REACH注册证明、RoHS检测报告）要随货索取并归档。
FAQ：采购和配方工程师最常问的六个问题
Q1：国产抗氧剂能不能替代进口料？
可以，但要分场景。通用改性（1010+168体系）国产和进口的性能差距已经很小，批次稳定的国产品牌完全可以替代。但在高端场景（PA耐热水1098、高温PPS用626、低VOC汽车内饰），进口牌号在低聚物控制和批次一致性上仍有优势。替代的正确做法是：先拿公斤级样品做平行测试，对比热老化、黄变、MFR变化等关键指标，测试通过后再小批量试用，最后放量。需要对照样品时，科隆新材可按公斤级备齐并附同批次热老化数据，省去你自己找基准料的麻烦。
Q2：抗氧剂加了还黄变，是什么原因？
先排查三个常见原因：一是加工温度过高或螺杆转速过快，抗氧剂在挤出过程中就被消耗了；二是物料未烘干，水分导致水解，亚磷酸酯类抗氧剂失效；三是抗氧剂体系选错了，比如透明件用了1010（可能喷霜），PA用了1010而不是1098（耐水抽出不够）。如果这三个都排除了，再考虑抗氧剂本身的质量问题。
Q3：抗氧剂和光稳定剂能一起用吗？
不仅能，而且应该一起用。户外制品的老化是热氧老化和光氧老化同时发生的，抗氧剂负责热氧，光稳定剂（HALS+UV吸收剂）负责光氧，两者有协同效应。典型PP户外件配方：HALS 944（0.2%）+ UV 531（0.1%）+ 1010（0.1%）+ 168（0.1%），总0.5%左右。注意：HALS是碱性的，和酸性阻燃剂（如红磷）可能有冲突，需要调整配方。
Q4：回收料需要补加抗氧剂吗？
需要。回收料经过一次或多次热加工，原有抗氧剂已经消耗了30%-70%。回料比例超过30%时，建议补加原配方抗氧剂用量的30%-50%。比如原配方1010+168各0.15%，回料比例50%时，补加到1010+168各0.2%-0.25%。同时要注意回料中的杂质和污染物可能加速老化，适当增加抗氧剂用量是稳妥的做法。
Q5：抗氧剂的价格大概是多少？怎么选性价比高的？
常用抗氧剂的价格带（元/kg）：1010约30-60、1076约35-65、1098约80-150、168约30-55、626约60-100、DLTDP约25-45。价格随原料（苯酚、异丁烯、三氯化磷等）行情波动。选性价比的原则是：通用场景选国产主流品牌，高端场景（汽车、医疗、电子）选进口或国产头部品牌，不要为了省几块钱选不知名小厂——抗氧剂占吨成本不到1%，但出问题的损失是它的几百倍。
Q6：抗氧剂有保质期吗？存放久了会失效吗？
有。未开封的抗氧剂保质期通常2-3年，存放条件是阴凉干燥、密封、温度低于30℃、湿度低于60%。亚磷酸酯类（168、626）对水分敏感，开封后如果密封不好，3-6个月就可能水解结块，效果明显下降。受阻酚类（1010、1076）相对稳定，但长期存放也可能氧化变色。建议先进先用，不要囤货超过6个月。
选型三步清单：照着做不踩坑
◆ 第1步·定工况：先搞清楚制品的使用环境（温度、湿度、光照、接触介质）和使用寿命要求，再确定需要哪种抗氧体系（通用/透明/耐热水/高温）。
◆ 第2步·对参数：根据基材和加工工艺，对照速查总表选主抗氧+辅抗氧的组合，确定添加量（总0.2%-0.5%，特殊场景可到0.8%），同时检查与其他助剂（阻燃剂、光稳定剂、填料）的兼容性。
◆ 第3步·核认证：根据制品的最终用途和出口目的地，确认抗氧剂需要符合的认证（FDA、GB 4806、RoHS、REACH、UL黄卡等），向供应商索取合规文件并归档。
热老化数据说话，批次稳了才敢放量
抗氧剂选型的核心不是比单价，是比批次稳定性和热老化数据。科隆新材供应抗氧剂时随货附批次报告，关键指标（分子量、灰分、挥发分）每批可追溯；对需要做进口替代的客户，可提供公斤级试用装和对应批次的热老化对比数据，先跑150℃×168h平行测试再谈放量。
那是去年夏天，华东一家做汽车PP改性料的厂被成本压得喘不过气，原来用的进口头部品牌1010+168，吨成本里助剂占了不小一块。科隆新材给他们寄了国产头部品牌的1公斤样品，附批次检测数据。客户的配方师在实验室做了150℃×1000h热老化平行测试，冲击强度保留率和进口料差距在约3%以内。又跑了三个月小批量验证，最终切换成功，吨成本降了约40元。后来采购经理说，早知道国产数据这么稳，不至于纠结大半年。
翻出配方单，1010旁边写168了吗？
声明：本文涉及的品牌、商标及产品名称权归各自原厂所有。本文为第三方选材知识分享，文中提及的牌号、参数、价格、认证及应用案例仅供参考，具体以各生产企业官方最新资料及批次检测报告为准。本文不构成任何采购或投资建议，读者据此操作风险自担。
The warehouse in July was like a steamer. A batch of PP dashboard material shipped to the auto parts factory began to powder on the surface after being stored in the open yard for three weeks, flaking off as white powder with a scratch of a fingernail. The client returned the entire batch, and the logistics costs plus the restocking costs resulted in a loss of nearly 100,000 yuan. When the formulator reviewed the case, he found that only the single antioxidant 1010 was added, without the auxiliary antioxidant 168, which was completely consumed in advance under high-temperature storage.
Those few tenths of a kilogram of antioxidant in a ton of plastic are usually forgotten, but when yellowing occurs, everyone in the workshop looks for it first.
This article is compiled by Ningbo Kolong New Materials Co., Ltd., which has long been engaged in the business of plastic raw materials and additives. The grade and batch information are subject to the actual supply channels.
Quick Reference Table of Antioxidants: Four Major Systems at a Glance
Those who work with modified plastics know that antioxidants are not a single substance, but a system. The primary antioxidant is responsible for 'catching' free radicals, while the secondary antioxidant is responsible for 'breaking down' peroxides. Only the combination of the two can form a complete defense. The table below clearly lists the key parameters and typical applications of mainstream types, and when selecting a grade, first determine the system before discussing the specific product.
| system | Representative varieties | Key parameters | Typical products | Add ratio |
|---|
| Blocked phenols (primary antioxidants) | 1010, 1076, 1098 | Molecular weight 500-1200, nitrogen content 0-3% | Auto parts, home appliances, pipes | 0.1%-0.3% |
| Phosphite esters (secondary antioxidants) | 168, 626 | Phosphorus content 4%-10%, hydrolytic stability varies | Extrusion granulation, film, fiber | 0.1%-0.2% |
| Thioester compounds (antioxidant auxiliaries) | DLTDP, DSTDP | Sulfur content about 20%, long-lasting heat resistance | Cables, hot water pipes, thick-walled parts | 0.1%-0.3% |
| Compound/Blended Type | 1010 168, 1076 168 | Main to support ratio 1:1 or 1:2 | General Modification of PP/PE/ABS | Total 0.2%-0.4% |
Note: The parameters in the table are general ranges; differences exist among different manufacturers and grades. The actual selection should be based on the official TDS and batch test reports. The selection logic is very simple: first determine the substrate and working conditions, then choose the main antioxidant system, and finally match the auxiliary antioxidants. Do not do it the other way around.
Figure 1 Antioxidants — Oxidation Protection Barrier for Plastic Materials
Antioxidants are not better the more you add; a blend is more reliable than a single agent.
Don't rush to check the product numbers; first, get to know this behind-the-scenes player. Ningbo Cologne New Materials Co., Ltd. has long been engaged in operating various plastic additives and modified raw materials, covering sources from multiple domestic and international brands. It has stable supply channels for common additive categories such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, and lubricants. As for antioxidants, this category is essentially the 'preservative' for plastic materials—during processing and use, plastics are exposed to heat, oxygen, and light, which triggers free radical chain reactions, leading to molecular chain breakage, cross-linking, discoloration, and performance degradation. The role of antioxidants is to interrupt this chain reaction and slow down the aging process.
Antioxidants are like the 'vitamin E' of plastics; the amount is small, but without it, the material ages quickly.
Mechanistically, antioxidants are divided into two major camps. Primary antioxidants (hindered phenols, amines) capture peroxy radicals by donating hydrogen atoms, turning reactive free radicals into stable molecules; secondary antioxidants (phosphite esters, thioesters) are responsible for decomposing hydroperoxides, converting them into harmless alcohols and ketones. Their relationship is like that between fire extinguishers and firefighters in a fire brigade—one controls the fire, the other clears the area, and neither can be missing.
Primary antioxidants and secondary antioxidants are not interchangeable substitutes; they are not fighting the same battle at all.
Many newly entry formulators have a misconception: they think the more antioxidants are added, the better. In fact, excessive hindered phenol antioxidants can cause 'phenol yellowing' — in an NOx gas environment, phenolic antioxidants react to form yellow quinone structures, causing the product surface to yellow. Excessive phosphite antioxidants may hydrolyze, producing acidic substances that corrode molds and screws. So there's a saying in the industry: antioxidants are like 'MSG'; just enough to enhance the flavor is fine, adding too much can ruin the whole pot.
Oh, you call this 'aging resistance'? It became brittle and cracked after 72 hours of heat aging at 150°C, this is like taking a summer vacation.
Quick check by variety: 1010 is universal king, 1076 handles transparency, 1098 protects PA
There seem to be many grades of antioxidants, but actually focusing on a few main varieties can cover 80% of applications. Below, we break them down one by one, explaining each variety's positioning, parameters, applicable signals, and precautions.
PP-modified antioxidant formula, instead of worrying about a single agent, it’s better to mix the old duo 1010 and 168 together at once.
1010 (pentaerythritol ester of [β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid]): The 'universal king' of hindered phenolic primary antioxidants, with a molecular weight of 1178, low volatility, extraction resistance, and good compatibility with resins. It can be used in almost all polyolefins (PP, PE) and engineering plastics (ABS, PBT, PS). Signals to choose it: the product is not complex, requires long-term heat resistance, and is cost-sensitive. Note: 1010 may have a risk of blooming in films and fibers; for ultra-thin products, it is recommended to switch to 1076.
Supply tip: General antioxidants like 1010 are regularly stocked by Cologne New Materials. Each batch comes with thermal aging test data. Samples can be taken by the kilogram for initial parallel comparison before deciding on bulk orders.
1076 (β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid octadecanol ester): a hindered phenolic primary antioxidant with a molecular weight of 531, about half that of 1010, offering better compatibility with resins and less tendency to bloom. It is particularly suitable for films, fibers, and transparent products. Signals for choosing it: for making PE films, PP fibers, transparent PS/ABS parts. Note: 1076 has a lower molecular weight and higher volatility than 1010, so for high-temperature processing (>260°C), it is recommended to use in combination with 1010.
1098 (N,N’-Bis-(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionyl)hexanediamine): a hindered phenolic primary antioxidant with a molecular weight of 637, nitrogen-containing structure, specifically designed for polyamides (PA6, PA66). PA has a high processing temperature (260-290°C) and is prone to aging in hot water; 1098 has much better extraction resistance and hot water resistance than 1010. Signals for choosing it: for PA6/PA66 modification, hot water pipes, automotive engine peripheral parts. Note: 1098 is more expensive than 1010 and generally not used in non-PA substrates.
For transparent parts, choose 1076 168; for PA66 heat-resistant water applications, choose 1098 168; for high-temperature PPS/PEEK, choose 1010 626. Don't get them confused.
168 (tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite): The 'standard' secondary antioxidant among phosphite stabilizers, with a molecular weight of 647 and a phosphorus content of about 4.8%. It has good processing stability and can effectively inhibit yellowing and changes in melt flow rate during processing. It is present in almost all modified formulations. Signals to choose it: extrusion granulation, injection molding, need to suppress processing yellowing. Note: 168 is somewhat sensitive to hydrolysis, so storage in high humidity environments requires sealing, and long-term storage may lead to caking.
626 (Bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite): a phosphite-type secondary antioxidant, molecular weight 604, phosphorus content about 10.3%, more than twice that of 168, with better high-temperature stability. It is especially suitable for high-temperature engineering plastics such as PPS and PEEK (processing temperature above 300°C). Indications for choosing it: modifying PPS/PEEK, high-temperature nylon, or requiring processing stability above 300°C. Note: 626 is more sensitive to hydrolysis than 168, so humidity must be strictly controlled during storage and use.
DLTDP (Dialkyl Thiodipropionate): A thioester auxiliary antioxidant with a molecular weight of 514 and sulfur content of about 12.3%. It has long-lasting heat resistance and works synergistically with hindered phenolic primary antioxidants. It is especially suitable for cables, hot water pipes, and thick-walled products that require long-term heat resistance. Choosing this indicates: making PVC cable materials, PE hot water pipes, or requiring long-term thermal stability above 100°C. Note: Thioesters have a slight odor, so caution is needed for food contact and low VOC applications.
Alternative comparison: Can imported brands be switched? Take a look at this table first
One of the most frequently asked questions by many buyers is: Can imported antioxidants be replaced with domestic ones? The answer is: Yes, but with certain conditions. The core indicators of antioxidants (molecular weight, purity, ash content, and volatile matter) show very little difference between domestic and imported products, but there are still differences in batch stability, oligomer control, and the content of colored impurities. The table below lists common replacement options and the prerequisites for switching.
| Original imported direction | Typical applications | Benchmark solution | Switch premise |
|---|
| BASF Irganox 1010 | General-purpose modification for PP/PE | Domestic 1010 (multiple manufacturers) | Preliminary test comparing thermal aging at 150°C × 168h, yellowing index, and MFR changes |
| BASF Irganox 1076 | Film/Fiber/Transparent Parts | Domestic 1076 | Contrast compatibility, frosting test, transmittance change |
| BASF Irganox 1098 | PA6/PA66 hot water resistant | Domestic 1098 | Comparison of water resistance extractives and 130°C boiling 1000h performance retention rate |
| BASF Irgafos 168 | General processing stability | Domestic 168 | Comparison of hydrolytic stability, processing yellowing ΔE, and phosphorus content |
| BASF Irgafos 626 | PPS/PEEK High Temperature | Domestic 626 | Comparison of processing stability at 320℃, high-temperature yellowing, and hydrolytic stability |
The above table is just a reference for alternative directions and does not mean that the performances of the two companies are equivalent. The correct sequence for substitution is: small-scale trial → parallel testing → written confirmation from the customer → small batch → mass production, and if there is a problem at any step, work must stop and an investigation should be conducted.
The most tedious part of substitute testing is data comparison—when Kolon New Material provides kilogram-level antioxidant samples, they include batch heat aging test data, so customers can directly run a 150℃ × 168h parallel comparison without having to build a baseline from scratch.
It still yellows even after adding antioxidants? First check the drying temperature and screw speed, don’t just blame the additives right away.
Industry Scenario Quick Reference: How the Requirements for Antioxidants Differ Among Various Products
Even though they are both antioxidants, the requirements are completely different for making car bumpers and food packaging boxes. The table below breaks it down by industry to help you quickly identify which system to use.
| Industry | Typical products | The parameters the customer asked about first | Recommendation system | Certification requirements |
|---|
| Car | Bumper, dashboard, door panel | Thermal aging at 150℃ × 1000h, low-temperature shock | 1010 168 Thioester Compound | IATF 16949, low VOC |
| Home appliances | Washing machine drum, air conditioner casing, refrigerator liner | Long-term heat resistance, weather resistance, yellowing resistance | 1010 168 General Compound | RoHS, REACH |
| Pipe material | PPR hot water pipes, PE water supply pipes | 110℃ static hydraulic pressure, water-resistant extraction | 1010 168 DLTDP | GB/T 18742, FDA |
| Film | BOPP packaging film, PE agricultural film | Processing stability, light transmittance, frosting | 1076 168 | FDA, GB 4806 |
| Electronics and electrical appliances | Connectors, coil bobbins, switches | High-temperature processing stability and flame-retardant synergy | 1010 626 (High Temperature) | UL Yellow Card, RoHS |
| Fiber | PP non-woven fabric, PA industrial yarn | Spinning stability and extract resistance | 1076 168 | OEKO-TEX |
For a specific scenario: when making automotive dashboards, the customer requires that after thermal aging at 150°C for 1000 hours, the impact strength retention rate be greater than 80%, while also having low VOC. At this point, using only 1010 168 is not enough; thioester (DLTDP) needs to be added for long-term heat resistance, while also paying attention to the VOC contribution of the antioxidant itself—1010 has low volatility, making it more suitable for low VOC requirements than small-molecule antioxidants.
Dosage and key points of combination: Remembering four formulas is enough
The amount and combination of antioxidants follow certain rules, so you don't need to start from scratch each time. The following four formulations are industry-validated general solutions that cover most scenarios.
For PP modification to be aging-resistant, use a 1010 and 168 blend, don’t get hung up on a single agent.
◆ General PP/PE modification: 1010 (0.1%-0.2%) 168 (0.1%-0.2%), main to auxiliary ratio 1:1 or 1:2, total 0.2%-0.4%. This is the most commonly used formula, used in 80% of modified materials.
◆ Transparent film/fiber: 1076 (0.1%-0.2%) 168 (0.1%-0.2%), total 0.2%-0.4%. 1076 has good compatibility, does not bloom, and is suitable for ultra-thin and transparent products.
◆ PA6/PA66 heat-resistant water: 1098 (0.2%-0.3%) 168 (0.1%-0.2%), total 0.3%-0.5%. 1098 water resistance extraction, PA must be dried before processing (80-100℃ × 4-8h).
◆ High-temperature PPS/PEEK: 1010 (0.1%-0.2%) 626 (0.1%-0.2%), total 0.2%-0.4%. 626 has high phosphorus content and good high-temperature stability, suitable for processing above 300℃.
There are three more key points for formulation: First, antioxidants and light stabilizers have a synergistic effect. For outdoor parts, it is recommended to use HALS UV absorbers with antioxidants for a triple synergy; Second, antioxidants and flame retardants may conflict — brominated flame retardants can release HBr at high temperatures, which may consume antioxidants, so the amount of antioxidants should be appropriately increased; Third, some antioxidants in recycled materials have already been consumed. When the proportion of recycled material exceeds 30%, antioxidants should be added, usually 30%-50% of the original formula.
Don't underestimate this 0.1% antioxidant; it is quietly blocking yellowing for you in the extruder.
Antioxidant: Stability comes from blending.
Processing and Compliance Red Lines: Avoid These Four Pitfalls
If antioxidants are not used properly, the result is either yellowing or brittleness. The table below lists the key parameters of the processing steps and the consequences of mistakes; following it can help avoid eighty percent of the pitfalls.
| link; segment; part | Reference value | The consequences of doing wrong |
|---|
| Antioxidant premix | High-speed mixer 3-5 minutes, speed 500-1000 rpm | Uneven mixing → local yellowing, performance fluctuations |
| Extrusion temperature | PP 190-230℃, PA 260-290℃, PPS 290-320℃ | Excessive temperature → antioxidant consumed prematurely, product yellowing |
| Screw speed | 300-500 rpm (adjust according to the machine model) | Excessive rotational speed → high shear heat, accelerated consumption of antioxidants |
| Material Drying | PA 80-100℃ × 4-8h, PC 120℃ × 3-4h | Not dried → hydrolysis, antioxidant failure, product foaming |
| Storage conditions | Cool and dry, sealed, temperature <30°C, humidity <60% | Moisture absorption → Phosphite hydrolysis, caking, decreased effectiveness |
Compliance red lines must also be noted: antioxidants used in food contact materials must comply with GB 4806.10 or the relevant provisions of FDA 21 CFR; for exports to the EU, compliance with REACH and EU 10/2011 is required; electronic and electrical products must comply with RoHS; automotive products must comply with IATF 16949 and the VOC standards of each car manufacturer. Compliance documents for antioxidants (FDA conformity declaration, REACH registration certificate, RoHS test report) must be requested with the goods and filed.
FAQ: The Six Most Common Questions Asked by Purchasing and Formulation Engineers
Q1: Can domestic antioxidants replace imported ones?
It is possible, but it depends on the scenario. For general modified applications (1010, 168 systems), the performance gap between domestic and imported products is already very small, and stable domestic brands can completely replace imported ones. However, in high-end scenarios (PA heat-resistant water 1098, high-temperature PPS 626, low-VOC automotive interiors), imported grades still have an advantage in oligomer control and batch consistency. The correct approach for replacement is: first, use kilogram-level samples for parallel testing, comparing key indicators such as heat aging, yellowing, and MFR changes; after passing the tests, move to small-scale trial use, and finally, scale up. When reference samples are needed, Cologne New Materials can prepare kilogram-level samples with heat aging data from the same batch, saving you the trouble of sourcing baseline material yourself.
Q2: Even after adding antioxidants, it still yellows. What is the reason?
First, check three common causes: one is that the processing temperature is too high or the screw speed is too fast, causing the antioxidants to be consumed during extrusion; two is that the material has not been dried, and moisture leads to hydrolysis, making phosphite antioxidants fail; three is that the antioxidant system was chosen incorrectly, for example using 1010 for transparent parts (which may cause frosting), or using 1010 for PA instead of 1098 (insufficient water extraction resistance). If all three are ruled out, then consider the quality of the antioxidants themselves.
Q3: Can antioxidants and light stabilizers be used together?
Not only can they be used together, but they should be. The aging of outdoor products involves both thermal-oxidative and photo-oxidative aging occurring simultaneously. Antioxidants are responsible for thermal oxidation, while light stabilizers (HALS UV absorbers) are responsible for photo-oxidation, and there is a synergistic effect between them. A typical PP outdoor component formulation: HALS 944 (0.2%), UV 531 (0.1%), 1010 (0.1%), 168 (0.1%), totaling around 0.5%. Note: HALS is alkaline and may conflict with acidic flame retardants (such as red phosphorus), so the formulation needs to be adjusted.
Q4: Is it necessary to add antioxidants to recycled material?
Necessary. Recycled materials have gone through one or more thermal processing cycles, and the original antioxidants have been consumed by 30%-70%. When the proportion of recycled material exceeds 30%, it is recommended to add 30%-50% of the original formula's antioxidant amount. For example, if the original formula contains 0.15% each of 1010 and 168, when the recycled material proportion is 50%, increase to 0.2%-0.25% each of 1010 and 168. At the same time, attention should be paid to impurities and contaminants in the recycled material, which may accelerate aging, so appropriately increasing the amount of antioxidants is a prudent approach.
Q5: What is the approximate price of antioxidants? How do you choose one with a high cost-performance ratio?
Price range of commonly used antioxidants (CNY/kg): 1010 about 30-60, 1076 about 35-65, 1098 about 80-150, 168 about 30-55, 626 about 60-100, DLTDP about 25-45. Prices fluctuate with raw material (phenol, isobutylene, phosphorus trichloride, etc.) market conditions. The principle for selecting cost-effective options is: for general scenarios, choose mainstream domestic brands; for high-end scenarios (automotive, medical, electronics), choose imported or leading domestic brands. Do not choose unknown small manufacturers just to save a few yuan—the cost of antioxidants is less than 1% of the ton cost, but the losses from problems are hundreds of times that amount.
Q6: Do antioxidants have a shelf life? Will they lose effectiveness if stored for a long time?
Yes. The shelf life of unopened antioxidants is usually 2-3 years. Storage conditions should be cool, dry, sealed, with temperatures below 30°C and humidity below 60%. Phosphite esters (168, 626) are sensitive to moisture; if not properly sealed after opening, they may hydrolyze and clump within 3-6 months, causing a significant drop in effectiveness. Hindered phenols (1010, 1076) are relatively stable, but long-term storage may also lead to oxidation and discoloration. It is recommended to use on a first-in, first-out basis and not to stockpile for more than 6 months.
Three-step checklist for choosing: Follow it to avoid pitfalls
◆ Step 1·Determine Working Conditions: First, clarify the product's usage environment (temperature, humidity, light exposure, contact media) and service life requirements, then determine which type of antioxidant system is needed (general/transparent/hot water resistant/high temperature).
◆ Step 2 · Match Parameters: According to the substrate and processing technology, refer to the quick reference table to select the combination of primary antioxidant and secondary antioxidant, and determine the addition amount (total 0.2%-0.5%, up to 0.8% in special cases). At the same time, check compatibility with other additives (flame retardants, light stabilizers, fillers).
◆ Step 3 · Certification Verification: Based on the final use of the product and the export destination, confirm the certifications the antioxidant needs to comply with (FDA, GB 4806, RoHS, REACH, UL Yellow Card, etc.), request compliance documents from the supplier, and file them.
The thermal aging data speaks for itself; only when the batch is stable do we dare to increase the volume.
The core of selecting antioxidants is not comparing unit prices, but comparing batch stability and thermal aging data. When supplying antioxidants, Kolon New Materials attaches a batch report with each shipment, and key indicators (molecular weight, ash content, volatile matter) can be traced for each batch; for customers who need to replace imports, kilogram-scale trial packs and corresponding batch thermal aging comparison data can be provided, with parallel tests conducted at 150°C for 168 hours before discussing mass supply.
That was last summer. A factory in East China that produces modified automotive PP materials was struggling under cost pressure. The previously used imported top-brand 1010 168 had a significant portion of its tonnage cost coming from additives. Kolong New Materials sent them a 1-kilogram sample of a domestic top-brand, along with batch testing data. The client's formulators conducted parallel heat aging tests in the lab at 150°C × 1000h, and the impact strength retention rate differed by only about 3% compared to the imported material. They also ran a three-month small-batch validation, and finally successfully switched, reducing the ton cost by about 40 yuan. Later, the purchasing manager said that had they known the domestic data was so stable, they wouldn’t have hesitated for more than half a year.
Check the formulation sheet—did it say 168 next to 1010?
Disclaimer: The brands, trademarks, and product names mentioned in this article are the property of their respective manufacturers. This article is a third-party material selection knowledge share. The grades, parameters, prices, certifications, and application cases mentioned are for reference only; please rely on the official latest data and batch testing reports from each manufacturer. This article does not constitute any purchasing or investment advice, and readers act at their own risk.
