Overview
Irgafos 168 is a hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer, supplied with supply chain resource support for formulators sourcing a secondary antioxidant for polymer processing. As a secondary antioxidant, it reacts during processing with hydroperoxides formed by autoxidation of polymers, preventing process-induced degradation and extending the performance of primary antioxidants.
Features and Benefits
Irgafos 168 is an organophosphite of low volatility and is particularly resistant to hydrolysis. It protects polymers that are prone to oxidation during processing steps such as compounding and pelletizing, fabrication, and recycling, from molecular weight change caused by chain scission or crosslinking, and it prevents discoloration.
Irgafos 168 performs best when combined with other BASF antioxidants. Blends of this stabilizer with hindered phenols of the Irganox range are particularly effective, since the hindered phenols additionally provide storage stability and give the polymer long-term protection against thermooxidative degradation. It can also be combined with other appropriate BASF stabilizers in phenol-free systems to address specific stabilization requirements.
Applications of Irgafos 168 in Polymer Processing
The application range of Irgafos 168, synergistically combined with other BASF antioxidants, comprises polyolefins and olefin-copolymers such as HDPE, LLDPE, polypropylene, polybutene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, as well as polycarbonates and polyamides. These blends can also be used in polyesters, styrene homopolymers and copolymers, adhesives, natural and synthetic tackifier resins, and elastomers such as BR, SBS, and SEBS, and other organic substrates. These blends can also be used in combination with light stabilizers of the Uvinul, Tinuvin, and Chimassorb range.
Why the Phosphite Stabilizer Chemistry Matters
Because Irgafos 168 is a low-volatility organophosphite with strong resistance to hydrolysis, it is formulated to protect polymers against process-induced degradation across compounding, fabrication, and recycling steps. Formulators combining this stabilizer with hindered phenol antioxidants or other BASF stabilizers should confirm the specific blend ratio against the latest technical data sheet for their target polymer system.
Why Sourcing Consistency Matters for Buyers
Because hydrolytic stability and volatility directly affect how well this stabilizer protects polymers during processing, buyers should confirm current specifications for Irgafos 168 against the latest technical data sheet before scheduling a production run. A supplier that consistently delivers this stabilizer to its stated performance characteristics reduces the need to re-qualify a stabilization package with every new batch.
This is particularly relevant for polyolefin, polycarbonate, and polyamide processors, where discoloration and molecular weight change during compounding and fabrication are directly tied to finished-part quality. Buyers should confirm current batch documentation against the latest technical data sheet before finalizing a production schedule.
What to Consider When Sourcing Irgafos 168
Buyers evaluating Irgafos 168 for the first time should confirm which polymer system and processing steps they intend to protect, and whether they plan to use it alone or in a blend with hindered phenol antioxidants or other BASF stabilizers. Requesting the current certificate of analysis alongside the technical data sheet is a practical way to confirm that a given batch matches the manufacturer’s published performance characteristics.
Packaging, storage temperature requirements, and shelf life should also be confirmed directly with the supplier, since these factors affect how this stabilizer performs once it reaches a production facility. Buyers sourcing Irgafos 168 for time-sensitive production schedules should discuss lead time and logistics requirements before finalizing an order.
General Handling and Storage Guidance
As with other phosphite processing stabilizers, this stabilizer should be stored in accordance with the supplier’s technical data sheet, typically in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or ignition, since storage conditions can affect the stabilizer’s handling properties over time. Personnel handling this material should follow the handling procedures specified in the safety data sheet.
Buyers should request and review the current safety data sheet for this stabilizer prior to receipt, and confirm that on-site storage conditions are compatible with the supplier’s recommended shelf life and temperature range. Proper inventory rotation helps maintain the performance characteristics described above.
Where to Source This Product
Thousands Chemicals supplies Irgafos 168 and related auxiliary agent products through our digital B2B marketplace, with supply chain resource support for formulators sourcing phosphite processing stabilizers for polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyamide, and other polymer applications. Material testing methods referenced for antioxidant and stabilizer performance are benchmarked against recognized international testing practices published by ASTM International. Our team can help confirm packaging, lead times, and technical documentation for your target application and order volume.
Documentation We Can Provide
For qualified buyers, we can provide the safety data sheet and technical data sheet for the specific batch of this stabilizer being quoted. Specifications listed on this page reflect the manufacturer’s published values; buyers should confirm current documentation before finalizing a purchase order.
FAQ
What is Irgafos 168 used for?
It is a hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer used as a secondary antioxidant in polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters, styrene polymers, adhesives, and elastomers.
Can Irgafos 168 be combined with other antioxidants?
Yes, it performs best when combined with other BASF antioxidants, particularly hindered phenols of the Irganox range, and can also be used in phenol-free systems with other appropriate BASF stabilizers.
What makes Irgafos 168 resistant to hydrolysis?
It is a low-volatility organophosphite that is particularly resistant to hydrolysis, which helps it remain effective during processing steps such as compounding, fabrication, and recycling.
Can you provide technical documentation and bulk pricing for Irgafos 168?
Yes, technical data sheets and SDS documentation are available on request, and our team can provide bulk pricing and lead times based on your target volume and delivery location.
Get a Quote for Irgafos 168
Contact our team for pricing, documentation, and lead time on Irgafos 168. Our sourcing specialists can help confirm whether this phosphite processing stabilizer matches your polymer processing requirements before you place an order.