Antioxidants for Plastics: Function, Benefits, and Applications

In plastic manufacturing, maintaining polymer stability during processing and product use is critical. High temperatures, oxygen exposure, and long-term UV radiation can cause polymers to degrade, leading to color fading, brittleness, and mechanical failure. To prevent this, antioxidants for plastics are used as essential stabilizing additives. 

Antioxidants act as a protective barrier, slowing down or completely preventing oxidative reactions that can break down the polymer chains. Without proper stabilization, even high-quality resins like PP, PE, or ABS can lose performance quickly under heat and stress. 

1. What Are Antioxidants in Plastics?

Antioxidants for plastics are specialized additives that protect polymers from oxidation and thermal degradation during processing and throughout their service life. When plastics are processed at high temperatures or exposed to air, free radicals form within the polymer matrix. These radicals trigger chain reactions that result in molecular breakdown and deterioration. 

A well-designed polymer antioxidant system works by neutralizing these free radicals and decomposing peroxides, maintaining the polymer’s molecular integrity and extending the product’s lifespan. 

2. Types of Antioxidants

There are two main types of antioxidants used in the plastics industry, often combined for synergistic performance: 

Primary Antioxidants (Free Radical Scavengers)
These are usually phenolic-based stabilizers that stop oxidation by reacting directly with free radicals. 

• Examples: BHT, Irganox® 1010, Irganox® 1076. 

• Applications: Commonly used in PP, PE, ABS, and HIPS resins. 

• Function: Provide long-term heat stability and protect against color change. 

Secondary Antioxidants (Hydroperoxide Decomposers)
These are typically phosphite or thioester-based stabilizers that decompose hydroperoxides into stable, non-reactive products. 

• Examples: Irgafos® 168, DSTDP. 

• Applications: Often combined with primary antioxidants to form a thermal stabilizer for PP PE and other polymers. 

When blended together, primary and secondary antioxidants provide both processing stability (preventing degradation during extrusion or molding) and long-term oxidative resistance in the final product. 

3. Benefits of Using Antioxidant Masterbatch

Using an antioxidant masterbatch instead of pure additives provides significant advantages for compounders and converters: 

• Uniform dispersion of antioxidants throughout the polymer matrix. 

• Dust-free and easy handling, improving workplace safety and accuracy. 

• Consistent stabilization performance across production batches. 

• Improved processing stability, reducing melt flow variation during extrusion. 

• Longer product lifespan with enhanced color and mechanical retention. 

These benefits make Mascom Global Antioxidant Masterbatch an excellent solution for manufacturers seeking stable, high-performance materials. 

4. Applications of Polymer Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential in many plastic compounding additives formulations and masterbatch products, including: 

• Polyolefin compounds (PP, PE) for film, injection, and blow molding. 

• Engineering plastics such as ABS, PA, POM, and PC. 

• Recycled plastics, to restore and stabilize degraded polymers. 

• Wire & cable coatings, where long-term heat resistance is required. 

• Agricultural films, automotive parts, and packaging materials. 

They are also widely used as part of bio-compounds and eco-friendly masterbatches, supporting circular economy initiatives. 

5. How to Use Antioxidants in Plastic Formulations

Antioxidants can be added during compounding or extrusion at levels between 0.05% and 0.5%, depending on the polymer type and processing conditions.
For ease of use, many processors prefer antioxidant masterbatches, which simplify dosing, improve consistency, and reduce loss during mixing. 

When designing a formulation, experts recommend combining both primary and secondary antioxidants to provide complete protection against thermal and oxidative stress.

6. Mascom Global – Trusted Plastic Additive Manufacturer and Antioxidant Supplier

Mascom Global is a professional plastic additive manufacturer specializing in high-quality antioxidant masterbatch for various plastic applications. 

We develop and produce Mascom Global Antioxidant Masterbatch designed for: 

• Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) film and extrusion applications. 

• ABS and engineering plastics used in automotive and electrical components. 

• Bio-compounds and sustainable packaging materials. 

As an experienced antioxidant supplier, Mascom Global ensures our products provide: 

• Excellent thermal and oxidative stability during processing. 

• Long-term color retention and mechanical durability. 

• Compatibility with a wide range of polymer systems. 

Our R&D team also provides customized additive solutions that combine antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and processing aids, helping manufacturers improve both performance and sustainability. 

7. Commitment to Sustainable and Reliable Plastic Solutions

At Mascom Global, we are committed to supporting the plastics industry’s transition toward more sustainable and efficient materials.
Our polymer antioxidants and masterbatch solutions help reduce material waste, extend product life, and maintain consistent quality — empowering converters and compounders to achieve eco-friendly, high-performance, and cost-effective results. 

With our expertise in plastic compounding additives and advanced stabilization technology, Mascom Global continues to be a reliable partner for global manufacturers seeking innovation and sustainability in polymer processing.