UV Stabilizer for Plastics: An Advanced Stop Sign for UV Light

When manufacturing plastic products, UV light stabilization is one of the key characteristics that plastic manufacturers must include in their products. UV stabilizers for polymers are the answers they are looking for. 

In the following article, we will write about a very important industry additive: the UV stabilizer for plastics. The reason UV stabilizers are so important is that they protect plastic products from the harmful effects of UV light. As this is an introductory article, you may still have questions about the UV stabilizer for plastics after you finish reading. If this is the case, we will be more than happy to provide you with additional information, please contact us.

Some basic facts about UV light

So, what is UV light? UV is a type of electromagnetic radiation, and is an abbreviation for ultraviolet. UV comes to us from many sources, including sunlight. It can also be produced artificially. 

UV is classified as radiation, and therefore it is powerful and can be potentially harmful. It can scorch the skin – just recall the last time you got a sunburn – but on the other hand, it can also be helpful in destroying bacteria and viruses present in the air, water and certain surfaces.

Speaking of surfaces, UV light is so powerful that it can actually damage some of them – including plastic surfaces. UV degradation usually impacts color and texture, which is the last thing that plastic product manufacturers want to happen. 

Science has come a long way in providing UV blocking solutions for our skin and for our plastic products. We apply sunscreen lotion when we’re on the beach, and use UV stabilizers for polymers when we’re manufacturing plastic products.  

The UV stabilizer for plastics: a general definition

Many plastic products are intended for outdoor use, and are therefore exposed to UV rays that come from the sun. This is the reason that the UV stabilizer is a crucial plastics additive that is used extensively in numerous industries. 

At Tosaf, we pride ourselves on manufacturing a cutting-edge UV stabilizer masterbatch that significantly improves plastic product characteristics. When using Tosaf’s UV stabilizer for plastics, manufacturers benefit from: 

• Cutting-edge UV ray absorption
• Long-term UV protection
• Food approved UV stabilizers 
• UV stabilizers with distinct qualities
• Robust end-to-end support 

What are UV stabilizers for PVC?

PVC, which is short for polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic polymer used by the world’s leading industries in a wide variety of applications – from pipes, electric cables and medical appliances to insulation siding, signs, stickers and flooring.

Many PVC-based products are exposed to UV light – whether indoors or outdoors – which increase their degradation and reduce their lifecycle. Therefore, PVC products are normally protected by a UV stabilizer, which is added to the raw polymer during the production process. 

Are UV stabilizers used to protect PC sheets?

Of course. Tosaf manufactures an elite UV stabilizer for polycarbonate, which effectively protects PC sheets and other PC products from UV light. In recent years, PC sheets are effectively replacing glass in many buildings and structure applications. That said, PC sheets are made from transparent polymers that are susceptible to solar radiation.

In order to stabilize UV in PC sheets, we use a thin co-extrudate cap layer that can come in a variety of grades. These cap layers are specifically tailored to solid PVC sheets, as well as corrugated sheets, multi-wall sheets and other PP (polypropylene) sheets. Our cap layers come with optical brighteners, and also include light/deep blueish undertones that effectively contrast the UV absorber’s yellow hue.  

Does Tosaf manufacture UV stabilizers for coatings?

Coating is an essential part of most plastic products and films, especially those used in outdoor purposes. Our UV stabilizers are fully compatible with our special coating additives, including such coating additives like our anti-fog coating for PC sheets, our antistatic coating for films and sheets, and more.  

Does Tosaf manufacture UV stabilizers for polyethylene (PE)?

Yes. Polyethylene films, or PE films for short, are extensively used in the food packaging industry and other industries, as well. Our UV stabilizer portfolio includes a food-approved UV stabilizer, a UV absorber for shrink films and a UV absorber and light stabilizer combo for pallet shrink covers. Naturally, UV stabilised polyethylene products are less exposed to UV-based degradation and have a longer lifecycle.

What added values does Tosaf provide plastic manufacturers who require UV stabilizers?

When we formulate and manufacture UV stabilizers for plastics, we rely on our vast experience, expert personnel, cutting-edge technology and innate desire to meet and even exceed our clients’ needs. These four components help us understand exactly what our clients need from their UV stabilizers, based on their specific products, industries, conditions and regulations. 

When working together, we harness our assets to recommend the precise UV stabilizer for each of our clients, which will help improve their products’ lifecycle and capabilities. And while the end result is important, so is the manufacturing path: we provide expert consultation during the manufacturing process, regarding the incorporation of our UV stabilizer into the raw polymer – thus ensuring that our additive is used to the best of its capabilities. 

Manufacturing the optimal UV stabilizer for plastics is an exciting expertise, and one that Tosaf is particularly proud of. The characteristics and benefits of UV stabilizers cannot be encapsulated in one article, so if you require more information, please let us know. We will be happy to assist you.