AQUChem

Antioxidants for Plastics, Rubber & Lubricants

39 grades across 4 chemistry classes — for polyolefins, ABS, PVC, rubber, and lubricant systems.

Quick-Pick by System

SystemPrimarySecondaryRatioRecommended Grade
PE / PPIrganox 1010 (or 1076 semi-trans)Irgafos 1681:2B215 (33:67 blend)
ABSIrganox 245DSTDP1:1Generic ABS blend
PVCBHT (food-grade)Food-contact PVC
NR / SBR RubberTMQ (RD)6PPDCo-blendTire compounding std.
Mineral LubricantsPhenolic + Aminic DPAZDDP (EP pkg)Per API categoryLubricant additive pkg
Food-Contact PEIrganox 1076 (FDA)Irgafos 168 (FDA)1:2FDA-compliant LDPE/HDPE

All Grades (by chemistry class)

Phenolic(0)

Primary antioxidants — chain-terminating; main workhorse for polyolefins (Irganox 1010/1076/245).

Phosphite(0)

Secondary antioxidants — peroxide decomposers; combine with phenolics (Irgafos 168/626/TNPP).

Thioester(0)

Long-term thermal stabilizers for thick-section / high-temp service (DSTDP/DLTDP/DMTDP).

Aminic & Diphenylamine(0)

Process / rubber stabilizers (BHT/BHA family, 6PPD/IPPD/TMQ for tires and elastomers).

Compound Systems(0)

Pre-blended antioxidant packages (B215, B225) — convenience for compounders.

Imported Brand → China Equivalent

Equivalents are indicative; verify against TDS for project-critical applications.

Imported Brand GradeChina EquivalentMajor Producers
Irganox 1010 (BASF/Songwon)Antioxidant 1010利安隆 (Lianlong), 天集 (Tianji), 万泰 (Wantai)
Irganox 1076 (BASF/Songwon)Antioxidant 1076利安隆, 营口风光 (Yingkou Fengguang), 江苏极易 (Jiyi)
Irganox 245 (BASF)Antioxidant 245利安隆, 天集, 万泰
Irganox 3114 (BASF)Antioxidant 3114利安隆, 营口风光
Irganox 1330 (BASF)Antioxidant 1330天集, 江苏极易
Irgafos 168 (BASF/Songwon)Antioxidant 168 / PS-168利安隆, 营口风光, 万泰
Irgafos 626 (BASF)Antioxidant 626利安隆, 天集
TNPP (Songwon/generic)TNPP / TNP营口风光, 江苏极易, 万泰
Tinuvin 770 (BASF) [HALS]UV-770 / HS-770利安隆, 天集, 北京天集 (Beijing Tianji)
Naugard 445 / Naugalube 438RDPA-445 / Aminic AO营口风光, 江苏极易
DSTDP / DLTDP (generic)DSTP / DLTP利安隆, 万泰, 营口风光
BHT (FDA generic)BHT / Antioxidant 264利安隆, 天集, 营口风光

Frequently Asked Questions

Irganox 1010 vs 1076 — which should I choose?

Choose 1010 for maximum long-term thermal stability; choose 1076 when lower volatility and better compatibility with semi-transparent or thin-section applications matter.

Irganox 1010 (tetrafunctional pentaerythritol ester, MW 1178) has four active phenolic groups, giving it superior high-temperature and long-term stabilization for thick-section polyolefins and injection molding. Irganox 1076 (octadecyl ester, MW 531) is monofunctional but has a long alkyl chain that improves compatibility with polyolefins and reduces bloom, making it preferred for thin films, fibers, and food-contact LDPE. In practice, both are often used together in a 1:1 blend (B225) for a balanced profile.

Why is the phenolic : phosphite ratio typically 1:2?

The 1:2 ratio matches the stoichiometry of the two mechanisms: one phenolic radical-trap consumes roughly twice as many peroxide species as a phosphite decomposer, so doubling the phosphite component gives optimal synergy.

During melt processing, hydroperoxides form rapidly and are decomposed by the phosphite (Irgafos 168) in a sacrificial reaction, while the phenolic (Irganox 1010/1076) quenches chain-propagating radicals. Kinetic studies show the peroxide decomposition step is typically the limiting factor in polyolefin processing windows (180–260 °C), so increasing the phosphite proportion delays color formation and maintains melt flow index. The B215 masterbatch (33% 1010 + 67% 168 by weight) was commercialized by BASF specifically to deliver this optimized ratio as a single pellet.

Which antioxidants are FDA food-contact compliant?

BHT (21 CFR 178.2010), Irganox 1076 (21 CFR 178.2010), and Irgafos 168 (21 CFR 178.2010) are all FDA-listed for food-contact polymers at specified use levels.

Under 21 CFR 178.2010, BHT is permitted up to 0.005% by weight of the polymer for food-contact use; Irganox 1076 and Irgafos 168 are also listed at defined maximum levels. Irganox 1010 is covered separately under 21 CFR 178.2010 as well, but check the specific sub-paragraph for your polymer type (PE, PP, PS, etc.). Always verify with your supplier's COA that the grade supplied meets the applicable CFR citation and ask for a food-contact compliance letter.

What is the difference between DSTDP and DLTDP?

DSTDP (distearyl thiodipropionate, C18 alkyl) has higher MW and better long-term stability at elevated temperatures, while DLTDP (dilauryl thiodipropionate, C12 alkyl) is lower-cost and suited for moderate-temperature applications.

Both are thiosynergists (secondary antioxidants) that decompose hydroperoxides via a sulfur-based mechanism, complementing phenolic primary antioxidants in polyolefin and rubber systems. DSTDP (MW 683) has lower volatility and better resistance to extraction due to its longer C18 chain, making it the preferred choice for wire & cable, pipe, and geomembrane applications where long-term outdoor service life is required. DLTDP (MW 515) melts at a lower temperature and disperses more easily, which suits PP fiber and thin-film extrusion. DMTDP (C14, MW 571) is a midpoint option occasionally specified for LLDPE cast film.

How do I validate antioxidant performance in long-term thermal aging tests?

The standard approach is oven aging per ISO 188 or ASTM D573 (rubber) or ISO 4577/EN 1296 (plastics), tracking tensile retention, elongation at break, and color (ΔE) at defined time/temperature intervals.

For polyolefins, ISO 4577 (PP) and ASTM D3012 specify oven aging at 150 °C; typical pass criteria for injection-molded PP is ≥80% tensile strength retention after 500 h. For rubber, ISO 188 prescribes temperature and duration per compound type (e.g., 70 °C × 168 h for NR). OIT (Oxidative Induction Time) by DSC (ISO 11357-6) is a rapid lab screen — 200 °C isothermal OIT > 20 min is a typical specification for PE pipe compounds. Accelerated results should always be correlated against real-time aging data before finalizing the antioxidant package.

What antioxidant grades are commonly specified in the Indian market?

Irganox 1010, 1076, and Irgafos 168 dominate Indian polyolefin compounding; Songwon equivalents (Songnox 1010, Songnox 1076, Songxtend 168) are widely used as cost-competitive alternatives.

India's large polypropylene and polyethylene compounding sector (centered around Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu) predominantly uses 1010+168 packages sourced from BASF India or Songwon's India distribution. TMQ (RD) and 6PPD are staples for the domestic tire and rubber industry (Ceat, Apollo, MRF supplier base). BHT in food-contact LDPE is specified per FSSAI regulations. Chinese-origin equivalents are price-competitive on CIF Mumbai/JNPT terms and have gained adoption among mid-tier compounders, with 利安隆 and 营口风光 being the most recognized Chinese brands in this market.

What is the maximum permitted level of BHT in food-grade applications?

In food-contact polymers (21 CFR 178.2010) BHT is limited to 0.005% by weight; as a direct food antioxidant (21 CFR 172.115) the limit is 0.02% of the fat or oil content.

The EU equivalent (Regulation EC 1333/2008, E321) permits BHT at 100 mg/kg in fats and oils, 75 mg/kg in dehydrated soups, and 200 mg/kg in chewing gum base. For food packaging polymers under EU 10/2011, BHT has a specific migration limit (SML) of 3 mg/kg food simulant. FSSAI (India) aligns broadly with the Codex Alimentarius limits (200 mg/kg fat). Always confirm the applicable jurisdiction's limit with your regulatory team, as BHT is under re-evaluation by EFSA.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Starter orders begin at 25 kg; standard commercial orders are 500 kg; full container orders are 1 metric ton or above.

For new buyers or formula trials, AQUChem offers 25 kg starter quantities packed in sealed foil-lined bags to minimize moisture exposure during transit. Standard pallet quantities of 500 kg (20 × 25 kg woven bags) are the typical commercial minimum. FCL (full container load) shipments start at 1 metric ton and offer the best CIF pricing. For high-volume repeat buyers, we can arrange dedicated drum packing or 500 kg jumbo bags. Contact us with your annual volume estimate for a tiered pricing proposal.

What is the sample policy?

Free samples of 100–500 g are available on written letterhead inquiry; courier charges are at buyer's account for non-DHL-account buyers.

To request a free sample, send a company letterhead inquiry specifying the grade, intended application, and annual volume estimate. Samples are dispatched within 3–5 business days by DHL Express (typical transit 3–5 days to EU/US, 1–2 days to India/SEA). Each sample is accompanied by a full COA, MSDS, and TDS. Samples exceeding 500 g or requiring UN-classified hazardous goods packaging may incur a handling fee — please confirm at the time of inquiry.

How do Chinese manufacturer prices compare to Songwon or BASF?

Chinese-origin antioxidants are typically 30–50% lower on CIF basis compared to BASF or Songwon equivalents, depending on grade and order volume.

The price gap is widest for commodity grades like Antioxidant 1010, 168, and BHT, where Chinese producers (利安隆, 万泰, 营口风光) compete fiercely on volume. For specialty grades (3114, 245, 626) the gap narrows to 20–35% because fewer Chinese producers are qualified. Quality parity has improved significantly over 2018–2025 as Chinese manufacturers invested in GMP upgrades and obtained ISO 9001, REACH, and RoHS certifications. For regulated applications (food-contact, medical device packaging), BASF/Songwon may still be preferred for audit trail clarity, but many Tier-1 Chinese compounders now source locally. Request a COA comparison from your supplier before switching.

What documents are available — COA, MSDS, TDS?

Yes — all three: Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are provided standard with every order and available on request for samples.

COA includes: appearance, purity (GC or HPLC), melting point, ash content, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr per REACH/RoHS), and any application-specific parameters (e.g., color APHA, volatile loss). SDS is prepared to GHS Rev. 7 / EU CLP format and is available in English, Chinese, German, and Spanish. TDS covers recommended use levels, processing conditions, compatibility notes, and storage guidelines. For food-contact grades, a supplementary food-contact compliance letter citing the applicable CFR/EC regulation paragraph is available upon request.

What are the standard sea freight packaging options?

Standard options are 25 kg kraft/woven bags (pallet of 20), 500 kg jumbo bags (super sacks), and 1 MT FCL bulk — all with inner PE liner for moisture protection.

25 kg woven polypropylene bags with PE inner liner are the most common export packaging and comply with IATA/IMDG requirements for non-hazardous organic solids. For larger orders, 500 kg FIBC (flexible intermediate bulk container / jumbo bag) reduces handling cost and is compatible with pneumatic conveying systems at compounding plants. For FCL shipments of 1 MT or more, product can also be supplied in fiber drums (25 kg or 50 kg) on request. All packaging is export-rated and suitable for 20-foot or 40-foot container loading. Shelf life is typically 2 years from manufacture date when stored in original sealed packaging below 30 °C and away from direct sunlight.
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