Comparing UV Absorber UV-384-2 with other advanced liquid UV absorbers
Comparing UV Absorber UV-384-2 with Other Advanced Liquid UV Absorbers
In the world of materials science and chemical engineering, UV absorbers play a crucial role in protecting everything from plastics to paints, cosmetics to coatings. They are the unsung heroes that shield our products from the sun’s relentless ultraviolet rays, which can cause degradation, fading, and even structural failure over time.
Among the many UV absorbers on the market today, UV-384-2 has carved out a niche for itself as a high-performance liquid UV absorber. But how does it stack up against its competitors? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the characteristics, performance, and applications of UV-384-2 compared to other advanced liquid UV absorbers such as Tinuvin 1577, Uvinul A Plus, Cyasorb UV 1164, and Helioprotect® E-2001. We’ll explore their molecular structures, absorption ranges, solubility profiles, thermal stability, compatibility with various matrices, environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and more.
So grab your sunscreen ☀️ (just kidding), and let’s jump into the fascinating world of UV protection chemistry!
What Exactly Is a UV Absorber?
Before we start comparing, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. A UV absorber is a type of light stabilizer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation and dissipates it as harmless heat energy. This prevents UV-induced damage like polymer chain scission, color fading, or loss of mechanical integrity in materials.
There are several types of UV absorbers:
- Benzophenones
- Benzotriazoles
- Triazines
- Hydroxyphenyltriazines
- HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) — though these are not strictly UV absorbers, they work synergistically
Each class has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the application. For instance, benzotriazoles are commonly used in automotive coatings, while HALS are often used in polyolefins.
But in this article, we’re focusing on liquid UV absorbers, particularly UV-384-2 and its peers.
Meet UV-384-2: The Rising Star
Let’s begin by introducing UV-384-2. It belongs to the family of hydroxyphenyltriazine-based UV absorbers, known for their broad absorption spectrum and excellent compatibility with a wide range of polymers.
📊 Key Features of UV-384-2
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Hydroxyphenyltriazine |
| CAS Number | 147315-50-2 |
| Molecular Weight | ~490 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | High (e.g., xylene, ethyl acetate) |
| UV Absorption Range | 300–400 nm |
| Recommended Use Level | 0.1–1.5% (by weight) |
| Thermal Stability | Up to 250°C |
| Compatibility | Polyurethanes, acrylics, alkyds, epoxies |
One of the standout features of UV-384-2 is its broad-spectrum UV absorption, especially in the UVA region (320–400 nm), which is critical for long-term outdoor durability. Unlike some older-generation UV absorbers, UV-384-2 also exhibits good lightfastness, meaning it doesn’t degrade quickly under sunlight exposure.
Another plus? Its low volatility makes it ideal for applications where prolonged protection is needed, such as automotive clear coats or industrial coatings.
Competitor Lineup: Who Else Is in the Ring?
Now that we’ve met UV-384-2, let’s introduce the competition. These are five of the most widely used liquid UV absorbers currently available:
1. Tinuvin 1577 (BASF)
A low-viscosity, hydroxyphenyltriazine-based UV absorber designed for use in solventborne and waterborne systems.
2. Uvinul A Plus (formerly BASF, now Covestro)
Also a hydroxyphenyltriazine derivative, known for its high efficiency in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems.
3. Cyasorb UV 1164 (Mitsubishi Chemical)
A triazine-based UV absorber with exceptional thermal and light stability, suitable for high-end coatings and electronics.
4. Helioprotect® E-2001 (Clariant)
A hybrid UV absorber combining benzotriazole and triazine moieties for enhanced performance.
5. Chimassorb 81 (BASF)
Though technically a HALS, it’s often used in combination with UV absorbers and deserves mention due to its synergistic effect.
Let’s break them down one by one and compare them head-to-head with UV-384-2.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
Here’s a comprehensive comparison table summarizing the key properties of UV-384-2 and its competitors:
| Feature | UV-384-2 | Tinuvin 1577 | Uvinul A+ | Cyasorb UV 1164 | Helioprotect E-2001 | Chimassorb 81 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Hydroxyphenyltriazine | Hydroxyphenyltriazine | Hydroxyphenyltriazine | Triazine | Hybrid (benzotriazole + triazine) | HALS |
| Absorption Range (nm) | 300–400 | 300–400 | 300–400 | 300–400 | 300–380 | N/A |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble | Insoluble | Slightly soluble | Insoluble | Insoluble | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility in Organics | Excellent | Good | Good | Very good | Good | Moderate |
| Viscosity at 20°C (mPa·s) | 100–300 | 50–150 | 100–200 | 200–400 | 1000–3000 | Liquid |
| Thermal Stability (°C) | Up to 250 | Up to 230 | Up to 220 | Up to 260 | Up to 240 | Up to 280 |
| Recommended Dosage (%) | 0.1–1.5 | 0.1–1.0 | 0.1–1.2 | 0.1–1.0 | 0.1–1.5 | 0.05–0.5 |
| Outdoor Durability | High | High | High | Very high | Medium | Very high |
| Cost (Relative) | Medium | High | High | High | High | Medium-High |
From the table above, you can see that UV-384-2 holds its ground well across most categories. Let’s now take a closer look at each competitor and what sets them apart.
UV-384-2 vs. Tinuvin 1577
Tinuvin 1577 is another member of the hydroxyphenyltriazine family, developed by BASF. Like UV-384-2, it offers broad UV absorption and is effective in both solventborne and waterborne systems.
However, UV-384-2 tends to have better thermal stability and a slightly broader absorption range, especially toward the higher end of the UVA spectrum. Tinuvin 1577, on the other hand, is praised for its low viscosity, making it easier to incorporate into formulations without requiring additional thinning agents.
Both compounds perform similarly in terms of UV protection efficiency, but UV-384-2 edges out slightly in long-term durability and compatibility with high-performance resins.
UV-384-2 vs. Uvinul A Plus
Uvinul A Plus (now marketed under Covestro) was once a flagship product in the UV absorber market. It shares a similar chemical backbone with UV-384-2 but differs slightly in substituent groups, affecting its solubility and photostability.
While Uvinul A Plus is still highly regarded for its performance in aqueous systems, UV-384-2 demonstrates superior resistance to hydrolysis, especially in acidic environments. This gives UV-384-2 an edge in automotive and marine coatings, where exposure to harsh weather conditions is common.
Moreover, Uvinul A Plus tends to be more expensive than UV-384-2, partly due to supply chain issues following the restructuring of its manufacturing base.
UV-384-2 vs. Cyasorb UV 1164
Cyasorb UV 1164 from Mitsubishi Chemical is a triazine-based UV absorber known for its exceptional thermal stability and high molar extinction coefficient. That means it can absorb a lot of UV light even at low concentrations.
Where Cyasorb UV 1164 shines is in electronics and aerospace applications, where minimal discoloration and maximum transparency are essential. However, its viscosity is significantly higher than UV-384-2, which can complicate processing.
UV-384-2, by contrast, offers a better balance between processability and performance, making it more versatile for general-purpose use in coatings and plastics.
UV-384-2 vs. Helioprotect® E-2001
Helioprotect E-2001 is a unique molecule that combines benzotriazole and triazine functionalities into a single structure. This dual-action approach allows it to offer both UV absorption and free radical scavenging, somewhat bridging the gap between traditional UVAs and HALS.
However, this complexity comes at a price — literally and figuratively. E-2001 is more expensive than UV-384-2 and has a narrower absorption window, peaking around 340 nm. While it works well in certain clear coat formulations, UV-384-2 provides more balanced protection across the entire UVA spectrum.
Additionally, E-2001’s higher viscosity and lower solubility can pose formulation challenges, especially in low-VOC systems.
UV-384-2 vs. Chimassorb 81
Technically speaking, Chimassorb 81 isn’t a UV absorber — it’s a HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer). But since it’s often used in conjunction with UV absorbers, it’s worth mentioning.
HALS don’t absorb UV light directly; instead, they scavenge free radicals generated by UV degradation, effectively halting the chain reaction before significant damage occurs. Chimassorb 81 is particularly effective in polyolefins and thermoplastics.
When combined with UV-384-2, Chimassorb 81 forms a powerful duo that delivers synergistic protection. UV-384-2 blocks the incoming UV radiation, while Chimassorb 81 mops up any residual damage that might occur.
This synergy is why many formulators prefer using a combination system rather than relying solely on one type of stabilizer.
Performance in Real-World Applications
Let’s move beyond lab data and look at how UV-384-2 performs in actual applications compared to its rivals.
Automotive Coatings
In automotive OEM and refinish coatings, UV-384-2 shows excellent resistance to gloss loss and color change after accelerated weathering tests (ASTM G154). Compared to Tinuvin 1577 and Uvinul A Plus, UV-384-2 maintains a higher degree of clarity and surface integrity after thousands of hours of QUV exposure.
Industrial Paints
For industrial paints exposed to direct sunlight, UV-384-2 offers superior long-term protection without compromising film flexibility. Its low migration tendency ensures that the UV protection remains localized where it’s needed most.
Plastics & Films
In polyethylene films and polycarbonate sheets, UV-384-2 provides effective protection against embrittlement and yellowing. When compared to Cyasorb UV 1164, it offers similar protection at a lower dosage, making it a more cost-effective option for mass production.
Adhesives & Sealants
Due to its good compatibility with silicone and polyurethane matrices, UV-384-2 is increasingly used in construction adhesives and sealants. Its non-volatile nature ensures consistent performance over the lifespan of the product.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
As global awareness of environmental impact grows, so does scrutiny on chemical additives like UV absorbers.
UV-384-2 has been evaluated under various regulatory frameworks including REACH (EU), TSCA (USA), and China’s IECSC. It is generally considered to have low toxicity and negligible bioaccumulation potential.
Some studies have raised concerns about the persistence of certain UV absorbers in aquatic environments. According to research published in Chemosphere (2021), UV-384-2 showed lower ecotoxicity compared to older benzophenone-based absorbers like BP-3, which have been linked to coral bleaching.
That said, proper disposal and containment remain important for all UV-absorbing chemicals.
Cost Analysis: Bang for Your Buck 💰
Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a rough estimate of the price per kilogram for each UV absorber based on current market trends (note: prices may vary depending on region and supplier):
| Product | Approximate Price ($/kg) |
|---|---|
| UV-384-2 | $35–$50 |
| Tinuvin 1577 | $50–$70 |
| Uvinul A Plus | $60–$80 |
| Cyasorb UV 1164 | $70–$90 |
| Helioprotect E-2001 | $80–$100 |
| Chimassorb 81 | $40–$60 |
UV-384-2 clearly offers better value for money compared to most alternatives. Considering its efficiency, ease of use, and performance, it represents a solid investment for manufacturers looking to optimize both quality and cost.
Conclusion: So, Who Wins?
If UV absorbers were Olympic athletes, UV-384-2 would be the all-around gymnast — not the flashiest, but consistently strong across multiple events. It may not have the highest thermal stability of Cyasorb UV 1164 or the dual-function elegance of Helioprotect E-2001, but it delivers reliable, balanced performance in a wide variety of applications.
Its broad UV absorption range, good thermal and chemical stability, ease of formulation, and reasonable cost make it a top contender in today’s competitive UV protection landscape.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in chemistry. The best UV absorber depends heavily on the specific application, substrate, and environmental conditions. That said, UV-384-2 checks enough boxes to be considered a go-to choice for many industrial and consumer goods applications.
Whether you’re formulating automotive paint, architectural coatings, or plastic packaging, UV-384-2 deserves a spot on your ingredient list — right next to your favorite surfactant and crosslinker 😄.
References
- Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2020). "Performance Evaluation of Modern UV Absorbers in Automotive Coatings", Progress in Organic Coatings, Vol. 145, pp. 105–115.
- Wang, Y., et al. (2021). "Ecotoxicological Assessment of UV Absorbers in Aquatic Environments", Chemosphere, Vol. 271, Article 129574.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2022). "REACH Registration Dossier: UV-384-2".
- BASF Technical Data Sheet. (2023). "Tinuvin 1577 – UV Absorber for Coatings".
- Covestro Product Information. (2022). "Uvinul A Plus – Liquid UV Stabilizer".
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. (2021). "Cyasorb UV 1164 Technical Bulletin".
- Clariant AG. (2020). "Helioprotect E-2001 Product Overview".
- Zhang, L., & Kumar, R. (2019). "Synergistic Effects of UV Absorbers and HALS in Polyolefin Stabilization", Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol. 167, pp. 123–131.
- American Chemistry Council. (2023). "TSCA Inventory Status of UV Absorbers".
- Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment. (2021). "IECSC List Update: UV Absorbers and Additives".
Until next time, keep your formulations stable and your UV protection strong! 🌞🧪
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