What are anti-ageing agents?
Anti-ageing agents are additives that Rubber- and plastic compounds in order to slow down the degradation of the material properties due to environmental influences. Without suitable protection, elastomers such as natural rubber (NR), SBR or NBR over time, they lose their elasticity, become brittle, discoloured or brittle. The main causes of this Ageing are oxygen, ozone, UV radiation, heat and mechanical stress. The dosage and selection of anti-ageing agents must be carried out in such a way that no undesirable side effects such as discolouration, migration or impairment of the surface quality are caused. LABS-freedom.
Function of anti-ageing agents
Anti-ageing agents work by intercepting or neutralising harmful influences before they can attack the polymer chains. A distinction is made depending on the active principle:
- Antioxidants - prevent or slow down the oxidative decomposition of the Polymer chains through oxygen and heat
- Antiozonants - provide targeted protection against ozone cracking, especially in dynamically stressed Seals and Vibration dampers
- UV stabilisers - absorb or scatter UV radiation to prevent photochemical degradation
- Waxy protective agents - form a protective layer on the surface that reduces the penetration of ozone and oxygen
Application of anti-ageing agents
Anti-ageing agents are used in almost all rubber-processing industries: automotive, construction, mechanical engineering, medical technology and aerospace. In Compounds they are specifically matched to the place of use, the media load and the desired service life. Particularly in outdoor applications (e.g. EPDM-roof profiles), at high temperatures (e.g. FKM-Seals in motors) or under constant UV exposure (e.g. silicone rubber (VMQ) in solar technology) they are indispensable.