Stabilizer (chemistry)

Polymers

• antioxidants these prevent autoxidation of materials and come in 3 primary forms.
• * Oxygen scavengers are commonly used during the initial processing of the plastic.
• * Persistent radical scavengers prevent or slow the photo-oxidation of polymers. Traditionally these are alkylated phenols such as butylated hydroxytoluene but now also include hindered amine light stabilizers
• * Antiozonants prevents or retards the degradation of polymers caused by ozone
• sequestrants, forming chelate complexes and inactivating traces of metal ions that would otherwise act as catalysts
• ultraviolet stabilizers are used to protect polymers from effects of ultraviolet radiation and come to 2 main types.
• * UV absorbers which essentially act the same way as sunscreens
• * Quenchers, which dissipate the radiation energy as heat instead of letting it break chemical bonds; often organic nickel salts, e.g. nickel phenolates

  Paints

• emulsifiers and surfactants, for stabilization of emulsions

  Food