Antioxidants are an important part of Schäfer Additivsysteme's product portfolio. For the polymer and lubricant industry, antioxidants are a crucial building block for the formulation of long-lasting products. By choosing the right antioxidant, the foundation can be laid for the stabilisation of the respective system.
Antioxidants in the polymer industry specifically slow down undesirable oxidative decomposition processes, which can lead to discolouration and even loss of usability of plastics. Antioxidants also protect against thermally induced ageing and thus serve as process stabilisers during plastics processing. Antioxidants act as radical scavengers or reducing agents.
Antioxidants in the lubricant industry can significantly improve the ageing of the lubricant in a positive way. Lubricants age very strongly, particularly at high operating temperatures in the presence of oxygen and under mechanical load. This radical-induced oxidation results in the formation of acid, which leads to molecular degradation and ultimately to the failure of the lubricant. Antioxidants convert the triggering radicals into stable compounds, prevent the degradation reaction and thus slow down the ageing of lubricants.
