Application areas of Stabilizers

1. Hydrogen peroxide bleach stabilizers are most widely used in the bleaching of cellulosic fibres [cotton, flax, linen, jute etc.] and wool, silk, nylon and acrylics with hydrogen peroxide. Stabilizer is used to control or regulate the liberation of per hydroxyl ions to prevent rapid decomposition of bleach and prevents the degradation of fibres by metal traces.
2. Caprolactum, ethylene glycol, glutamines and glutamic acid are used as stabilizers for hydrogen peroxide bleaching.
3. Chlorine dioxide, stabilizer in sodium chlorite bleaching, is sometimes used for bleaching of wood pulp in combination with chlorine, but it is used alone in ECF (elemental chlorine-free) bleaching sequences. It is used at moderately acidic pH (3.5 to 6). The use of chlorine dioxide minimizes the amount of organochlorine compounds produced.
4. Antioxidants are used to stabilize or deactivate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) which encompasses all highly reactive, oxygen containing molecules including free radicals.
5. Antioxidants are used as food additives to help guard against food deterioration. Exposure to oxygen and sunlight are the two main factors in the oxidation of food.
6. Antioxidants are used in fuels and lubricants to prevent oxidation, and in gasoline to prevent the polymerization that leads to the formation of engine-fouling residues and in polymers such as rubbers, plastics and adhesives to prevent the oxidative degradation that causes a loss of strength and flexibility in these materials.
7. Sequestering agent is used to inhibit the chemical reactions of traces of metal by converting them into chelating complexes. E.g., EDTA & DTPA.
8. UV stabilizers are used frequently in plastics, including cosmetics and films. The primary function is to protect the substance from the long-term degradation effects from light, most frequently ultraviolet radiation.
9. UV stabilizers, such as benzophenones, work by absorbing the UV radiation and preventing the formation of free radicals.
10. Dispersing agents or plasticizers are added to process liquids to prevent unwanted deposits by keeping them finely dispersed. They function in both aqueous and non-aqueous media.