Antioxydant 168 / SUNNOX® 168 | CAS 31570-04-4
Basic Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Numero CAS | 31570-04-4 |
| Sunchem Brand | SUNNOX® 168 |
| Equivalent to | BASF Irgafos® 168, Coup de couteau ADK 2112, Alcanox 240 |
| Molecular Formula | C42H63O3P |
| Masse moléculaire | 647.0 g/mole |
| Apparence | White crystalline powder |
| Point de fusion | 181–185 °C |
| Point de rupture | 394 °C |
| Pureté (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Phosphorus Content | 4.70–4.85% |
Introduction
Antioxydant 168 (SUNNOX® 168) is the world's most widely used processing stabilizer for thermoplastic polymers. Its full chemical name is Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite.
As a secondary phosphite antioxidant, it functions by neutralizing harmful hydroperoxides generated during high-temperature melt processing — protecting polymers during the intense heat and shear of extrusion, injection molding, and film blowing.
Antioxydant 168 est almost always used with Antioxidant 1010 (primary phenolic antioxidant). La 1010/168 combination (ratio 1:2 ou 1:3) is the global industry standard for polyolefin stabilization.
Cost advantage vs. BASF Irgafos 168: 25–45% with equivalent performance confirmed by third-party GLP testing.
Key Applications
Polyolefins (Primary Application)
| Polymer | Typical Dosage | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene (PP) | 0.05–0.20 phr | Prevents color degradation & MW reduction during extrusion at 200–280°C |
| HDPE | 0.05–0.15 phr | Blow molding and film extrusion stability |
| LDPE / LLDPE | 0.05–0.10 phr | Film processing stabilizer |
| Metallocene polyolefins | 0.05–0.15 phr | Essential due to sensitivity to processing conditions |
Engineering Plastics
- ABS and ABS/PC blends: Prevents discoloration, maintains impact properties
- PET and PBT: Processing stabilizer in fiber and bottle-grade resins
- Polyamide (PA6, PA66): Prevents yellowing during melt processing
- POM (polyacetal): Stabilizes against formaldehyde release
- TPU: Color stabilizer
Food Contact Regulatory Approvals
- FDA 21 CFR 178.2010 ✓
- EU Regulation 10/2011 ✓
- Pharmaceutical packaging compatible (ICH Q3C) ✓
Recommended Formulation for PP
| Component | Dosage |
|---|---|
| SUNNOX® 1010 (primary antioxidant) | 0.05–0.10 phr |
| SUNNOX® 168 (secondary antioxidant) | 0.10–0.20 phr |
| Calcium stearate (acid scavenger) | 0.03–0.05 phr |
FAQ
Q: Is SUNNOX® 168 a drop-in replacement for BASF Irgafos 168?
Yes — chemically identical (same CAS 31570-04-4). Performance equivalence confirmed by independent GLP lab testing. Customers report identical processing and product performance. Cost saving: 25–45%.
Q: Why is Antioxidant 168 always paired with Antioxidant 1010?
Antioxydant 1010 (phenolic) scavenges free radicals. Antioxydant 168 (phosphite) decomposes hydroperoxides. Together they address both degradation pathways simultaneously — far more effective than either alone.
Q: Does Antioxidant 168 cause staining or blooming?
At recommended dosages (0.05–0.2 phr), no blooming or migration occurs. Excellent compatibility with major polyolefins, minimal color contribution.