UV Absorber and Its Contribution to Sustainability in Materials
UV absorbers are specialized chemical compounds used to protect materials, surfaces, and products from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation, a component of sunlight, can cause degradation, discoloration, and loss of mechanical properties in polymers, coatings, plastics, and other materials over time. UV absorbers work by absorbing the high-energy UV rays and converting them into less harmful energy, usually in the form of heat, thereby preventing or slowing the deterioration of materials. In India and worldwide, UV absorbers have gained increasing importance across multiple industries, including plastics, coatings, automotive, textiles, and packaging, driven by the growing need for product durability and aesthetic retention.
One of the primary applications of UV absorbers is in the plastics industry. Plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polycarbonate are prone to photodegradation when exposed to sunlight. Photodegradation can lead to yellowing, brittleness, cracking, and reduced strength. By incorporating UV…