In this informative blog post, we will explore the intersection of food contact application with plastic and discuss the traditional phosphite antioxidant with unique features, IrgafoS® 168. We hope this blog captivates you as we try to lift the veil from the complex world of food application plastics and IrgafoS’s role. The unwavering technical complexity, functionality, durability, and safety of IrgafoS will be revealed alongside professional insights into this powerful antioxidant. In the blog, its plastic and application stability boosting capabilities will alter your perception for the better.
What is IrgafoS® 168 and How Does it Function?
According to the provided data, IrgafoS® 168 is a phosphite antioxidant extensively applicable in different sectors as it strengthens the stability and longevity of plastics. IrgafoS® 168 is a highly efficient ingredient designed for industrial applications, effectively inhibiting the thermo-oxidative degradation of polymers. Collecting or capturing loose radicals keeps plastic materials from exposure to chemicals, heat, and oxygen damage. This phosphite antioxidant is known as a processing stabilizer that averts the creation of unwanted by-products during the plastic manufacturing process. When added to polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene, their longevity and lifespan increase. In addition, because of the good characteristics of IrgafoS® 168, its application in direct contact with food is allowed under strict safety requirements and approvals, making it reliable in the industry.
Understanding IrgafoS® 168 as a Phosphite Antioxidant
Irgafos® 168 is a processing stabilizer whose main role is to prevent by-products in the manufacturing of polymers, particularly plastics. It also stabilizes polymers during manufacturing processes. When Irgafos is used in conjunction with linear polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene, the service life of these materials is improved considerably.
IrgafoS® 168 has a remarkable property in preventing thermo-oxidative degradation in plastics. An addition of IrgafoS 168 prevented the process of deterioration from occurring, compromising some of the properties of the polymers in some cases, strength, brittleness, and other polymer properties. The development of such polymer materials and composites raises not only expectations for raw materials and finished products but also significantly increases thermal and other stresses.
Irgafos has successfully been qualified for food contact applications due to stringent safety tests conducted on the compound. This makes it a reliable material to be used in the industry, as the FDA and other regulatory bodies approve it.
In conclusion, IrgafoS® 168 is a critical antioxidant phosphate in plastics production. Its inclusion in plastic materials aids in inhibiting the growth of various byproducts, increasing their usefulness, and extending their service life. This agent is also safe and lawful, suitable for use in food-contact materials or articles.
The Role of IrgafoS® 168 in Polymer Stabilization
The function of IrgafoS 168 in polymerization is essential so that the plastic materials remain intact and durable. IrgafoS 168 is an A phosphite antioxidant that acts by preventing the polymer materials degradation due to oxidation. IrgafoS 168 prevents oxidation of plastics by scavenging free radicals, and this helps to reduce specific unwanted by-products such as discoloration, brittleness, and loss of mechanical properties in plastics. The antioxidant performs this function as a key stabilizer, which protects a polymer’s structural and operational integrity, especially in adverse conditions and in most uses. The high-energy bond plastic materials would be more durable and resistant to heat, light, and other external elements. All in all, IrgafoS 168 is very necessary for polymer-based goods to sustain their characteristics and reliability.
The Difference Between Primary and Secondary Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential plastic protection agents and requisite chemical additives for plastics to work correctly. Free radical reacting chemicals, FG, unmask the free radical reactive oxygen species (ROS) to make them harmless; this functions as a primary antioxidant. They protect the polymer from oxidation at the onset of the oxidation process. Secondary antioxidants, on the contrary, and primary antioxidants complement each other by eliminating intermediate-term oxidation products and extending the period for the primary antioxidants to work. They inhibit the propagation chain reactions that lead to degradation, which causes the production of harmful products; thus, they provide prolonged protection against degradation. Orthogonal action of primary and secondary antioxidants guarantees optimal stability and performance of plastic materials in various conditions.
Why is IrgafoS® 168 Added to Plastic Materials?
Preventing Thermo-oxidative Degradation in Plastics
The plastic industry is dominated by thermo-oxidative degradation, which tends to result in the performance and resilience of plastic materials deteriorating. IrgafoS® 168 is one of the many additives being added to the plastic formula to mitigate thermo-oxidative degradation.
IrgafoS® 168 works as an antioxidant that stops the chain propagation reactions and product development of chain heterogenic degeneracy. This helps in scavenging free radicals and enhancing the stability of polymer chains, ensuring the performance and respect of plastic materials are maintained for a significant amount of time. To provide a wide variety of applications with the desired stability and durability of plastic materials, this additive works collaboratively with primary antioxidants.
Processing of IrgafoS® 168 may help reduce the number of materials that suffer polyolefin degradation, especially plastic polyolefin, and in cases of polyolefin contamination, the durability and resistance would improve. Quality would improve. This would mitigate the degradation of polymer materials due to oxidation and heat as it is a processing stabilizer that maintains the structure of elements and is useful in the entire process and end phase.
Safety assessments in areas such as food contact applications believe IrgafoS® 168 to lack efficacy, but these applications have been approved and regulated such functions by the FDA. This application in the filler domain has also made many rigorous research attempts to quench and mitigate the fears of the brutal effect of food safety and definitions. Food packaging and contact materials standards have been met by IrgafoS® 168 as well.
To encapsulate the discussion, IrgafoS® 168’s suitability to function as an antioxidant and hydrolytically stable and compatible with other primary antioxidants makes it a preferred candidate. It prolongs the shelf life of plastic products in various applications by inhibiting thermo-oxidative degradation of the plastic materials.
Enhancing the Durability of Polyolefins with IrgafoS® 168
Polyolefins have gained immense popularity in multiple industries owing to their versatility, durability, and low cost. They can also be thermally oxidatively degraded over long exposure to heat, light, and oxygen atmosphere. However, introducing of IrgafoS® 168 as a processing stabilizer is an excellent option for improving the lifetime and performance of polyolefins in harsh working environments.
IrgafoS® 168 is an antioxidant associated with polyolefins. It attempts to prevent the enhancement of radical degradation through the use of free radicals, which act as initiators as well during the degradation process. IrgafoS® 168 greatly helps in amending these aggressive species and, therefore, prevents polyolefins from undergoing an oxidative chain reaction that leads to loss of structural and mechanical integrity.
IrgafoS® 168 antioxidant works well against hydrolysis, and being hydrolytically stable is its number one priority; this tendency of hydrolysis resistance proves to make IrgafoS® 168 suitable for wet chemical applications and places where it will undergo further processing. Ensuring and guaranteeing excellent protection from Sorption Degradation throughout the product’s lifetime prolongs the antioxidant exposure, making it more effective due to life use.
Moreover, IrgafoS® 168 is very compatible with other primary antioxidants used in polyolefin formulations. Due to this compatibility, synergistic effects may exist that improve the overall antioxidant performance and ensure thermo-oxidative degradation protection. Having the ability to work with other antioxidants, IrgafoS® 168 aids in the protection of polyolefin materials by retaining their mechanical properties and increasing their life expectancy.
To summarize, IrgafoS® 168’s use as a processing stabilizer in polyolefins undoubtedly improves their durability and performance. Its hydrolytically stable nature, ability to work with other primary antioxidants, and strong antioxidant properties make it a preferred choice by industries that require long-serviceable polyolefin materials.
How IrgafoS® 168 Works as a Processing Stabilizer
IrgafoS® 168 serves as a processing stabilizer in polyolefins by effectively inhibiting degradation reactions during manufacturing. Its prophylactic properties function as an antioxidant, inhibiting the generation of free radicals that can lead to degradation and consequent deterioration of polyolefin materials. The activity of IrgafoS® 168 in scavenging these free radicals aids in the maintenance of mechanical properties and performance of polyolefins, thus increasing their service vitae. Its outstanding antioxidant properties make it highly demanded among industries that seek durable polyolefin materials.
The Importance of Safety Assessment for IrgafoS® 168 in Food Contact Applications
Approval and Regulatory Status by the Food and Drug Administration
Using IrgafoS® 168 in applications that come into contact with food should be safe, and I appreciate the need to comply. Every stakeholder in the business respects that all relevant papers ending in approval are self-explanatory so that every such investor can be trusted fully and their investment protected.
IrgafoS® 168 does comply with the different set of rules created and set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A) of the United States of America. Specific Food contact Regulations were made regarding it, and approvals were granted after due assessment of its usage when compliant to (insert specific FDA regulations). Such approval means that this material has been tested according to the necessary safety standards that apply to various materials for food contact.
Our assurance in regulatory compliance does not end with just the FDA. For example, we also ensure that IrgafoS® 168 is consistent with applicable global regulations, such as those in Poland and Ukraine or EFSA and similar agencies worldwide. These thorough evaluations and endorsements assure that we seek to ensure that IrgafoS® 168 is compliant with all governing rules and that the material used for the intended food contact applications is safe.
At Wellt, dedication to product safety and compliance with regulations are integral. The evolving nature of regulations and guidelines is complemented by constant monitoring, which ensures the continuing safety of IrgafoS® 168 in food-contact applications, thereby reassuring our customers about the performance and quality of our products.
Research on Leaching and its Effects on Food Safety
A lot of work has been done to determine if any food-contact materials pose a danger to food safety due to the leaching of substances into food. Such Contact Material Leaching involves the emission of a substance into a food-contact material. Food-contact materials such as additives IrgafoS®168 are assessed by regulating bodies across the world to determine whether such materials comply with existing global standards on safety.
It has been established that the migration of substances from food-contact materials is affected by a range of factors like temperature, duration of time, pH, and even the nature of the material used and the food or liquid in contact. Various regulating bodies within the EU, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), consider the safety assessment and suitability of food-contact materials based on scientific evidence.
Phosphate additives, an example of what may migrate from food-contact materials, were included in the assessment, which assesses suitability and safety matters regarding IrgafoS® 168. These concerns have been given considerable weight, and IrgafoS® 168 has been demonstrated to be safe for use in contact with food.
At Wellt, we maintain product safety and compliance with regulations as our top priority. Our assertion to watch and comply with the changing laws and guidelines guarantees us the assurance of IrgafoS® 168’s food safety for food contact substances. This dedication ensures that our clients have peace of mind and confidence in the effectiveness and quality of our products.
What Makes IrgafoS® 168 a Preferred Antioxidant Additive?
The Hydrolytically Stable Nature of IrgafoS® 168
A standout feature of IrgafoS® 168 that sets it apart from the competition is its supreme hydrolytic stability. Many food-contact additives face hydrolysis, the chemical decomposition of a compound due to water, which is a Limiting Factor for Use. Notwithstanding, prior work and optimization of the product by various tests and research have verified that IrgafoS® 168 has great resilience to hydrolysis, thus ensuring its effectiveness long into the future, even when temporally in contact with food.
The capacity for Hydrolytic stability in moisture-resistant additives is vital as it preserves the functionality of antioxidant components by evaluating their performance in moisture and humidity. IrgafoS® 168’s hydrolytic stability ensures its lasting performance, while its anti-oxidation features over an extended period protect various food products.
Thanks to precise formulation and distinctive chemical engineering, IrgafoS® 168 has been made so that its antioxidant properties remain intact even during exposure to high humidity or water. This stability guarantees a reduction of oxidation, thus ensuring food products maintain their nutritional value, taste, and freshness over a longer duration.
Selecting IrgafoS® 168 allows manufacturers to incorporate a hydrolytically stable antioxidant additive in food applications while being assured of its functionality and prolonged performance. This quality and our passion for product safety and adherence to regulations make IrgafoS® 168 a preferred additive in the food industry, owing to its reliable and high-performing antioxidant protection.
Compatibility with Other Primary Antioxidants
The use of combinations of antioxidants enhances protection against oxidation in food products. IrgafoS® 168, an additive and an antioxidant, is compatible with most primary antioxidants in the food industry, which means that it can work together with other antioxidants. Because it is so versatile, it can be maximized to increase the antioxidant content in food products. It will, therefore, not be a surprise that using IrgafoS® 168 in conjunction with other antioxidants results in increased freshness, flavor, and nutritional content in food products regardless of the items.
The successful combination of IrgafoS® 168 with primary antioxidants has been demonstrated in research and industrial experiments alongside butylated hydroxycinnamate (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tocopherols. The combinations have been found to enhance oxidative stability and extend the shelf life of the products without affecting their quality. The different aspects of IrgafoS® 168, such as hydrolytic stability and its capacity to tolerate such extreme conditions as water and high humidity, allow it to be used in conjunction with other primary antioxidants.
It is essential to highlight that the specific compatibility and the required blending ratios could differ according to the application and the intended results. Further testing and evaluation efforts are recommended to uncover the most efficient combination of antioxidants concerning a particular product formulation. In this way, manufacturers can provide high-quality and durable food products by building strong antioxidant systems thanks to the compatibility of IrgafoS® 168 with other primary antioxidants.
The Low Volatility of IrgafoS® 168 and its Benefits
IrgafoS® 168 has low volatility, which is important for it to be efficient as a primary antioxidant. As a technical specialist in this field, I can confirm that this feature is of immense value. The low volatility of IrgafoS® 168 guarantees that the amount that evaporates or is lost during processing, storage, and application is very low, thus making it useful for longer. This feature enables IrgafoS® 168 to be used for continuous protection against oxidative degradation, ensuring quality and shelf life of the food over more extended periods. This is the best candidate for use because of its high hydrolytic stability and high humidity or water compatibility with other primary antioxidants. Food manufacturers can take advantage of the low volatility of IrgafoS® 168 and develop powerful antioxidant systems that guarantee the preservation of the integrity of food products.
The Production and Supply Chain of IrgafoS® 168
Manufacturing Process of IrgafoS® 168
This product has distinct functionalities and its manufacturing process has to go through a series of steps in order to meet the required standard and performance. As a technical professional, I can share my thoughts regarding its making. IrgafoS® 168 is prepared by the incorporation of heteroatoms into an inorganic structure, which begins with careful choosing of the starting materials. Such materials are subjected to controlled sorption-desorption reactions and purification procedures in order to achieve a pure and stable material as a final product. Consistently maintaining the quality of IrgafoS® 168 also involves strict quality control at all steps of a manufacturing process. The know-how and modern plants belonging to BASF are used to manufacture this high-quality antioxidant, which agrees with our policy of maintaining high quality and functionality.
Role of BASF in Disseminating IrgafoS® 168
As his supplier, Edwin, says, it is quite evident that BASF is also strategically positioned as a distributor of IrgafoS® 168. Therefore, there is every reason both Edwin and Mr B have that we will be in a good position to ensure its much wider availability. This remark aligns with Edwin’s Éin existence. We have ensured that IrgafoS® 168 reaches untapped markets in various regions of the globe. A professional sales and technical staff is available to customers and helps them comprehend the pluses of using IrgafoS® 168 and at what capacity this antioxidant should be used. Considering that IrgafoS® 168 has a substantially more logical approach than conceiving about the scope and marketing of it as a product once – and focusing on it only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What exactly is IrgafoS® 168, and what is its central role?
A: This is a hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer. It is mainly used in plastics as an antioxidant and is referred to as IrgafoS® 168 or I-168. Its primary role is that of an antioxidant that impedes oxidative degradation in such polymers as polyethylene and polypropylene that would otherwise result in discoloration and changes in the weight of the polymer material.
Q: What role does IrgafoS® 168 play in the protection of plastics?
A: IrgafoS® 168 protects the composite material by decomposing hydroperoxides generated during the auto-oxidation of the polymers, which, if not controlled, could steam the degradation of the composite. This effectively reverses the aging effect, especially that induced by processing conditions. In conjunction with other BASF antioxidants, it is a strong complement to the primary antioxidant’s performance.
Q: What kind of plastics does IrgafoS® 168 usually apply to?
A: IrgafoS® 168 has been developed for a wide range of plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, and ethylene vinyl acetate. Because of its versatility, it finds applications in anti-stabilization requirements in a variety of plastic formulations and is particularly effective for those requiring long-term stability against oxidation.
Q: Is the application of IrgafoS® 168 in food contact materials applications safe?
A: In the affirmative, IrgafoS® 168 is used and deemed safe in food-contact materials. An extensive number of tests performed on this, as well as the regulations set by several authorities, have been met. However, there is a variance in the law set by every region, so it is advisable to cross-check with the region where the application is taking place beforehand.
Q: Are there any benefits associated with the use of IrgafoS® 168 in a plastic formulation?
A: As stated above, the implemented use of the IrgafoS® 168 did help improve thermal tolerance, protect against discoloration, maintain molecular weight, and enhance primary antioxidants. It also offers excellent hydrolytic stability, making it suitable for applications exposed to moisture or high temperatures.
Q: In contrast with other antioxidants, how effective is IrgafoS® 168?
A: IrgafoS® 168 is considered a processing stabilizer with strong organo-phosphite properties. Because it can inhibit oxidative degradation while working with other anti-oxidants, IrgafoS® 168 remains often preferred in numerous plastics. The presence of this additive all around the industry is sufficient proof of how effective and reliable it is.
Q: Are there any challenges in studying the leaching of IrgafoS® 168 from plastics?
A: There are difficulties in investigating the leaching of Irgafo S 168 from plastics. The fact that such an additive is present in the overwhelming majority of plastic products complicates the process of locating plastic control samples that do not contain this additive. This degree of prevalence inhibits the investigation of its leaching behavior in strict conditions because it is contained in most of the plastic materials employed as controls.
Q: What is the chemical composition of IrgafoS® 168?
A: IrgafoS® 168 is a tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, a polymer stabilizing material in the form of organic phosphate. Its chemical structure enables it to interact with and chemically modify destructive oxidative agents found in plastics. Its resin contains phenol groups, which confer antioxidant characteristics, and a phosphite core that facilitates its unique mode of action in polymer stabilization.
Reference Sources
1. “Evaluation of the safety of Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos 168), which is effective as an antioxidant and as a stabilizer for food contact use.”
- Authors: Laura C. Markley et al.
- Publication Date: June 1st 2023.
- Key findings: The acceptable daily intake (ADI) value of Irgafos 168 was calculated to be 1mg/kg bw/day and was derived from a two-year combined chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study in rodents. The findings assure the safety of currently permitted levels of use of this anti-oxidant in food-contact applications.
- Methodology: This study involved an extensive safety assessment of Irgafos 168 in food-contact materials, including chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies, to determine possible health effects (Markley et al., 2023, p. 113877).
2. Cocaine profiling and trafficking in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cutting agents Irgafos 168 and Irganox 1076 as the new cocaine cutting agents.
- Authors: Ettore Ferrari Júnior diversi
- Publication Date: December 1, 2023
- Key Findings: The authors partook in researching the changes in cocaine during the COVID-19 pandemic by exposing its new cutting agent, Irgafos 168, which has shown significance in cocaine trafficking. Based on the provided data, there’s a significant rise in cocaine confiscation, which leads to the conclusion of a growing or existing demand that the traffickers are altering to accommodate this demand.
- Methodology: This paper focused on forensic analysis for the required research to be conducted where a specific sample of cocaine was examined and was found to have the new cutting agent, Irgafos 168. This drug was closely examined to understand its patterns with trafficking (Júnior et al., 2023, p. 111911).
3. “Monitoring the effect of a stabilizer in a solid polymer sample with the aid of mass spectrometry with direct time analysis: the case of Irgafos 168 in polyethylene.”
- Authors: Kévin Fouyer et al.
- Publication Date: October 2, 2012
- Key Findings: The research focused on the working mechanism of Irgafos 168 in polyethylene, which combines with an oxygen molecule to inhibit degradation due to thermal conditions. It shed light on the functioning of Irgafos 168 as a polymer stabilizer.
- Methodology: The authors applied DART mass spectrometry on polyethylene samples with and without the stabilizing agent Irgafos 168, considering it a quantitative study (Fouyer et al., 2012, pp. 8642–8649).
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