Function of 2,5-Di-tert-butylhydroquinone (DTBHQ) in High Molecular Polymers

2,5-Di-tert-butylhydroquinone, commonlyabbreviated as DTBHQ, exerts three core functions in high molecular polymers, namely antioxidation and anti-aging, light stabilization, and polymerization inhibition. It is suitable for a variety of polymers such as rubbers, polyolefins, and polyesters. Details are as follows:

1. Antioxidation and anti-aging to extend the service life of polymersAs a semi-hindered phenolic primary antioxidant, DTBHQ can terminate the chain reaction of thermal-oxidative degradation in high molecular polymers, thus inhibiting their degradation and aging caused by thermal oxidation. For instance, in rubber products like natural rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, it can delay the oxidative aging of both vulcanized and unvulcanized rubbers, and also improve the heat resistance and flex cracking resistance of the products. At temperatures above 120℃, its anti-aging effect on some rubbers outperforms that of commonly used antioxidants such as Irganox 1010. In polyolefin materials including polyethylene and polypropylene, adding a small amount of DTBHQ can reduce the performance degradation of the materials during processing and service due to thermal oxidation. According to aging tests conducted at 70℃ for 96 hours, the performance of the materials under certain dosage conditions is better than that of traditional antioxidants. Meanwhile, DTBHQ is non-toxic, odorless, and non-staining, making it particularly suitable for light-colored rubber products and polymer materials used in medical supplies.

2. Light stabilization to enhance weather resistanceThis compound can strongly absorb ultraviolet light with wavelengths ranging from 280 nm to 310 nm, a property that enables it to serve as a light stabilizer for various plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyoxymethylene (POM). When films, fibers, and other products made of these high molecular polymers are used outdoors, they are prone to yellowing, embrittlement, and strength reduction under ultraviolet irradiation. The addition of DTBHQ can effectively resist the damage caused by ultraviolet light, improve the weather resistance of the products, and ensure the stability of their appearance and mechanical properties. For example, it can be used for photothermal stabilization protection of polyolefin fibers and films.

3. Polymerization inhibition to ensure the storage safety of resin monomersDTBHQ is also an excellent polymerization inhibitor for various resin monomers, exhibiting good inhibition effects on vinyl-type monomers such as butadiene, vinyl acetate, and styrene. Its polymerization inhibition effect is more durable than that of hydroquinone, without causing discoloration issues. During the production and storage of high molecular polymers like unsaturated polyester resins, monomers are prone to self-polymerization, which leads to resin deterioration. DTBHQ can react slowly with free radicals generated during storage, significantly improving the storage stability of resins without substantially affecting the subsequent gel time of the resins. It can exert a stable polymerization inhibition effect even under low-pressure conditions.