Comparing Light Stabilizer UV-292 with other HALS types for a balanced performance profile
Comparing Light Stabilizer UV-292 with Other HALS Types for a Balanced Performance Profile
When it comes to protecting plastics from the relentless sun, not all heroes wear capes — some come in the form of chemical compounds. Among these unsung protectors, light stabilizers play a crucial role in extending the life and maintaining the integrity of polymers exposed to sunlight and other harsh environmental conditions.
One such compound that often stands out in this arena is UV-292, a member of the Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) family. But how does it really stack up against its siblings in the HALS group? Is it the Superman of stabilization, or more like Clark Kent in a lab coat?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of HALS, compare UV-292 with other popular types like Tinuvin 622, Tinuvin 770, Chimassorb 944, and Good-Rite UV 3035, and explore their performance profiles across key parameters like molecular weight, thermal stability, compatibility, cost, and application suitability. Buckle up; it’s going to be a sunny ride!
🌞 A Quick Recap: What Are HALS?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty comparisons, let’s take a moment to understand what makes HALS so special. HALS are a class of additives used primarily in polyolefins, engineering plastics, and coatings to prevent degradation caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Their mode of action is unique: instead of absorbing UV light like traditional UV absorbers (UVA), HALS act as radical scavengers. They work by capturing free radicals formed during photooxidation, effectively halting the chain reaction that leads to polymer degradation. This makes them highly effective even at low concentrations — typically between 0.1% to 1% by weight.
Now, let’s zoom in on UV-292 and see how it fares when compared to other HALS types.
🧪 UV-292: The Midweight Champion
Chemical Name: Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate
CAS Number: 5124-30-1
Molecular Weight: ~509 g/mol
Appearance: White powder or granules
Solubility: Low solubility in water; moderate in common organic solvents
UV-292 is known for being a low-molecular-weight HALS, which gives it good initial light stabilization performance. It is especially effective in polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyurethane (PU) systems. Its relatively low molecular weight allows for better mobility within the polymer matrix, enabling faster interception of harmful radicals.
However, this same property can also lead to higher volatility and potential migration over time, especially under high-temperature processing or long-term outdoor exposure.
Let’s now compare UV-292 with some of the other commonly used HALS:
| Property | UV-292 | Tinuvin 622 | Tinuvin 770 | Chimassorb 944 | Good-Rite UV 3035 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight (g/mol) | ~509 | ~1,000–3,000 | ~508 | ~1,000–2,000 | ~1,500 |
| Type | Monomeric | Polymeric | Dimeric | Polymeric | Polymeric |
| Thermal Stability | Moderate | High | Moderate | Very High | High |
| Volatility | Medium | Low | Low | Very Low | Low |
| Compatibility | Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair |
| Cost | Low | Medium-High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Recommended Loading (%) | 0.1–0.5 | 0.2–1.0 | 0.1–0.5 | 0.1–0.5 | 0.1–0.3 |
Source: BASF Technical Data Sheets, Solvay Product Specifications, Polymer Additives Handbook
From the table above, you can already start seeing where UV-292 shines — and where it might fall short.
🔍 UV-292 vs. Tinuvin 622: Mobility vs. Longevity
Tinuvin 622, a polymeric HALS based on bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, has a much higher molecular weight than UV-292. This means it’s less volatile and less prone to migration or blooming — making it ideal for applications requiring long-term outdoor durability, such as agricultural films or automotive components.
However, because of its larger size, Tinuvin 622 doesn’t move around the polymer matrix as freely as UV-292. So while it lasts longer, it may respond slower to UV-induced degradation in the early stages.
| Parameter | UV-292 | Tinuvin 622 |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Protection Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Long-Term Stability | Moderate | High |
| Processing Temperature Tolerance | Up to 250°C | Up to 300°C |
| Recyclability Impact | Minimal | Slight |
| Typical Applications | Packaging films, injection molding | Automotive parts, agricultural films |
If UV-292 is the sprinter, Tinuvin 622 is the marathon runner — slower off the blocks but built for endurance.
⚖️ UV-292 vs. Tinuvin 770: The Middle Ground
Tinuvin 770 is a dimeric HALS with a structure similar to UV-292 but slightly bulkier. Its molecular weight is almost identical (~508 g/mol), but thanks to its dimeric nature, it offers better thermal and hydrolytic stability.
While UV-292 tends to degrade faster in humid environments, Tinuvin 770 holds its ground a bit better — particularly useful in tropical climates or moisture-prone applications like greenhouse films.
| Parameter | UV-292 | Tinuvin 770 |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrolysis Resistance | Low | Moderate |
| UV Efficiency | High | High |
| Color Stability | Moderate | Good |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Typical Applications | Short-to-medium term packaging | Coatings, adhesives, medium-term outdoor use |
Think of Tinuvin 770 as UV-292 with a raincoat — still nimble, but a little more weatherproof.
🛡️ UV-292 vs. Chimassorb 944: Big Molecule, Big Protection
Chimassorb 944, another polymeric HALS, brings serious muscle to the fight. With a molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 g/mol, it’s one of the heaviest hitters in the HALS lineup. Its high molecular weight makes it extremely resistant to volatilization and extraction — perfect for high-temperature processing and long-life applications.
But here’s the catch: because it’s so big, it doesn’t disperse as easily in the polymer matrix. That can lead to issues like poor homogeneity and visible specks in clear films unless properly compounded.
| Parameter | UV-292 | Chimassorb 944 |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium | Very Low |
| Dispersibility | Easy | Requires masterbatching |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 250°C | Up to 320°C |
| Longevity | Moderate | Exceptional |
| Application Examples | Films, moldings | Pipes, automotive exteriors, electrical insulation |
If UV-292 is your agile sidekick, Chimassorb 944 is the armored tank rolling in behind you — slow but nearly unstoppable.
🧯 UV-292 vs. Good-Rite UV 3035: The Hybrid Hero
Good-Rite UV 3035 is a polymeric HALS developed by Chemtura (now part of Lanxess). It combines hindered amine functionality with ester groups that offer additional protection through hydrolytic stability and improved compatibility with polar polymers like PVC and polyesters.
Its molecular weight (~1,500 g/mol) puts it somewhere between UV-292 and Chimassorb 944 in terms of mobility and longevity. It strikes a nice balance between processing ease, compatibility, and stability, making it a versatile option for a wide range of formulations.
| Parameter | UV-292 | Good-Rite UV 3035 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | Nonpolar | Slightly Polar |
| PVC Compatibility | Poor | Excellent |
| Migration Resistance | Moderate | High |
| UV Efficiency | High | High |
| Typical Use Cases | PE/PP films | PVC, flexible foams, industrial coatings |
UV 3035 is like the Swiss Army knife of HALS — maybe not the best at any one thing, but always ready when needed.
📊 Performance Summary Table
To make things clearer, here’s a summary table comparing all five HALS types across multiple performance metrics:
| HALS Type | MW (g/mol) | Mobility | Volatility | Thermal Stability | UV Efficiency | Longevity | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV-292 | ~509 | High | Medium | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low | Films, Moldings, Short-term use |
| Tinuvin 622 | ~1,000–3,000 | Low | Low | High | Moderate | Very High | High | Automotive, Agriculture |
| Tinuvin 770 | ~508 | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate | Coatings, Adhesives |
| Chimassorb 944 | ~1,000–2,000 | Low | Very Low | Very High | High | Exceptional | High | Electrical, Pipe Systems |
| Good-Rite UV 3035 | ~1,500 | Moderate | Low | High | High | High | Moderate | PVC, Flexible Foams |
💬 Real-World Insights: What Practitioners Say
According to a survey conducted among 42 polymer processors in China and Southeast Asia (Zhang et al., Plastics Additives & Compounding, 2021), UV-292 remains a top choice for cost-sensitive applications due to its affordability and decent performance in short-to-medium term uses.
“We use UV-292 in our PP woven sacks because it gives us enough protection without blowing the budget,” said Mr. Lin, a technical manager at a major packaging plant in Guangdong.
On the flip side, engineers working in the automotive sector tend to favor Tinuvin 622 or Chimassorb 944 for exterior components that must withstand years of UV exposure and high temperatures.
“For dashboard materials, we can’t afford to have yellowing after two years. That’s why we go with Chimassorb 944,” noted Ms. Park from Hyundai Chemical R&D.
And in the world of PVC window profiles, Good-Rite UV 3035 has gained traction for its dual role as both a light stabilizer and processing aid.
🧬 Future Trends and Formulation Tips
As polymer science evolves, so do the demands on additives. One emerging trend is the use of HALS blends to achieve balanced performance. For instance, combining UV-292 with Chimassorb 944 can give you the fast-acting protection of the former and the long-lasting power of the latter.
Another exciting development is the use of nano-encapsulated HALS, which improve dispersion and reduce volatility. Although still in the early adoption phase, companies like BASF and Clariant are investing heavily in this space.
Here are a few practical tips when selecting a HALS:
- For thin films and short-term use: UV-292 or Tinuvin 770
- For thick sections and high-heat applications: Chimassorb 944 or Tinuvin 622
- For PVC and polar resins: Good-Rite UV 3035
- For cost-sensitive applications: UV-292 with optional co-stabilizers (e.g., antioxidants)
Also, don’t forget about synergies! Combining HALS with UV absorbers (like benzotriazoles) or antioxidants (like hindered phenols) can significantly enhance overall protection.
📚 References
- Hans Zweifel, Plastic Additives Handbook, 6th Edition, Hanser Publishers, 2009.
- George Wypych, Handbook of Material Weathering, ChemTec Publishing, 2013.
- Zhang, Y., Liu, H., & Chen, G. (2021). "Selection Criteria for HALS in Polyolefin Applications." Plastics Additives & Compounding, Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 45–52.
- BASF Corporation. (2020). Technical Data Sheet – UV-292. Ludwigshafen, Germany.
- Solvay Specialty Polymers. (2019). Chimassorb 944 Product Brochure.
- Lanxess AG. (2022). Good-Rite UV 3035 Technical Guide.
- Ciba Specialty Chemicals. (2018). Tinuvin Product Portfolio Overview.
✨ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right HALS isn’t just about picking the most expensive or the most famous one — it’s about matching the molecule to the mission. UV-292 may not be the strongest or the longest-lasting, but it offers a compelling mix of speed, affordability, and versatility that makes it a solid contender in many applications.
Whether you’re stabilizing milk jugs, car bumpers, or garden hoses, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each HALS type will help you build better, more durable products. After all, in the world of polymers, staying cool under pressure — and under UV light — is the name of the game.
So next time you reach for a light stabilizer, remember: sometimes, the best defense is a good offense… and a well-chosen HALS. 😄
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