Question 1

Irganox 1010 vs 1076 — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Which antioxidants are FDA food-contact compliant?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the difference between DSTDP and DLTDP?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What antioxidant grades are commonly specified in the Indian market?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Accepted Answer

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, Chemzip 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.

Question 9

What is the sample policy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How do Chinese manufacturer prices compare to Songwon or BASF?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What documents are available — COA, MSDS, TDS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What are the standard sea freight packaging options?

Accepted Answer

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.

System	Primary	Secondary	Ratio	Recommended Grade
PE / PP	Irganox 1010 (or 1076 semi-trans)	Irgafos 168	1:2	B215 (33:67 blend)
ABS	Irganox 245	DSTDP	1:1	Generic ABS blend
PVC	BHT (food-grade)	—	—	Food-contact PVC
NR / SBR Rubber	TMQ (RD)	6PPD	Co-blend	Tire compounding std.
Mineral Lubricants	Phenolic + Aminic DPA	ZDDP (EP pkg)	Per API category	Lubricant additive pkg
Food-Contact PE	Irganox 1076 (FDA)	Irgafos 168 (FDA)	1:2	FDA-compliant LDPE/HDPE

Imported Brand Grade	China Equivalent	Major 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 438R	DPA-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

Antioxidants for Plastics, Rubber & Lubricants

Quick-Pick by System

All Grades (by chemistry class)

Phenolic(15)

Antioxidant 1076

Antioxidant 245

Antioxidant 3114

Irganox 1010 for PU

Antioxidant 1010 for Recyclate

Antioxidant

Beta-Naphthol (2-Naphthol)

Calcium Salicylate Detergent

Diphenylamine (DPA) Antioxidant

Hindered Phenol Antioxidant (Hydraulic)

Phenolic Antioxidant PP

Phenolic Antioxidant

Antioxidant 1076 (Irganox 1076)

Antioxidant 168 (Phosphite Co-Antioxidant)

Hindered Phenol Antioxidant for Lubricants

Phosphite(7)

Phosphite Antioxidant

Organic Phosphite PVC Co-Stabilizer

Phosphite Antioxidant 126

Phosphite Antioxidant 618

Phosphite Antioxidant PP

Irgafos 168 Stabilizer

TNPP Process Stabilizer

Thioester(3)

Thioester Antioxidant DLTDP

DLTDP Thioester Antioxidant

DSTDP Thioester Antioxidant

Aminic & Diphenylamine(11)

Alkylated Diphenylamine (ADPA) Antioxidant

Aminic Antioxidant

Antioxidant 6PPD (N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine)

Antioxidant Diphenylamines

Antioxidant IPPD (N-Isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine)

Antioxidant TMQ/RD (Polymerized 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,2-Dihydroquinoline)

Dinonyl Diphenylamine Antioxidant

Octyl Diphenylamine Antioxidant

Rubber Antioxidant 6PPD

Rubber Antioxidant IPPD

Rubber Antioxidant TMQ (RD)

Compound Systems(3)

Antioxidant B215 Blend

Antioxidant B225 Blend

Antioxidant Blend Polyolefin

Imported Brand → China Equivalent

Frequently Asked Questions

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