What does UV stabilizer mean?
UV stabilizers are substances used to prevent a chemical process called "photodegradation," which occurs when ultraviolet radiation from artificial light sources or the sun breaks chemical bonds within polymers.
By using these stabilizers, symptoms of physical damage or corrosion can be avoided, including:
pulverized
to crack
Color changes
UV Stabilizers Explained
UV stabilizers typically work by absorbing radiation from UV rays and then dissipating the energy as low-level heat.
Many synthetic and natural polymers can be attacked by UV radiation. As a result, products or materials made of polymers may decompose, crack, or become damaged if they are not UV stabilized. Degradation is related to UV light and is very noticeable in materials and equipment exposed to sunlight. Continuous exposure to UV rays can be a serious problem, as damage depends on the amount of exposure.
In this case, polymers are attacked, which may include polypropylene, such as industrial rope. The ultraviolet rays react with the bonds to generate free radicals, which are further activated with oxygen in the environment to generate carbonyl chains. When this happens, exposed areas of the product can crack, discolor, and in some cases be completely damaged. Other common examples of polymers that are highly sensitive to UV radiation include Kevlar or Aramid fibers.
Problems associated with UV degradation can be detected by infrared spectroscopy. Once a problem is identified, adequate protection must be applied before more serious damage occurs. This is where UV stabilizers come into play. These stabilizers can be used to protect against UV attack by adding chemicals to protect against UV rays. They are mixed into polymer products before final shaping or molding.
