Comparing UV Absorber UV-1130 with other liquid hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole UV absorbers

Comparing UV Absorber UV-1130 with Other Liquid Hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole UV Absorbers

When it comes to protecting materials from the relentless assault of ultraviolet radiation, UV absorbers are like the unsung heroes of the polymer and coatings world. Among them, hydroxyphenylbenzotriazoles (HPBTs) stand tall—especially in their liquid forms. One such rising star is UV-1130, a compound that’s been quietly making waves in industries ranging from automotive paints to sunscreen formulations.

But how does UV-1130 stack up against its peers? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into UV-1130 and compare it with other liquid HPBT UV absorbers such as Tinuvin 326, Tinuvin 328, Tinuvin 350, and Uvinul 3039. We’ll explore their molecular structures, performance characteristics, compatibility with various systems, environmental profiles, and even some behind-the-scenes chemistry that makes each one unique.

So buckle up, grab your lab coat (or at least a cup of coffee), and let’s step into the world of UV protection!

🧪 A Quick Primer: What Are Hydroxyphenylbenzotriazoles?

Hydroxyphenylbenzotriazoles (HPBTs) are a class of organic compounds known for their ability to absorb UV light and dissipate it as harmless heat. They’re widely used in plastics, coatings, adhesives, and personal care products to prevent degradation caused by sunlight exposure.

These molecules typically feature:

• A benzotriazole ring (the core structure responsible for UV absorption),
• One or more hydroxyl groups (which enhance solubility and reactivity),
• Substituents like alkyl chains or ester groups (to modify solubility, volatility, and compatibility).

The "liquid" versions of these UV absorbers are especially useful because they can be easily incorporated into formulations without the need for additional solvents or dispersants—making them ideal for applications like waterborne coatings or polyurethane systems.

🔬 Introducing UV-1130: The New Kid on the Block

UV-1130, chemically known as 2-(2-hydroxy-4-(octyloxy)phenyl)benzotriazole, is a relatively new entrant in the family of HPBT UV absorbers. It’s marketed as a liquid, high-performance UV stabilizer with excellent compatibility in both polar and non-polar systems.

Let’s break down what makes UV-1130 tick:

One of the standout features of UV-1130 is its long-chain alkoxy substituent, which enhances its solubility and reduces volatility compared to traditional solid HPBTs. This makes it particularly suitable for use in high-solid and solvent-free systems.

🧾 Comparative Analysis: UV-1130 vs. Other Liquid HPBTs

To better understand where UV-1130 fits in the broader landscape of UV absorbers, let’s compare it side-by-side with several other commonly used liquid HPBTs:

1. Tinuvin 326

Chemical Name: 2-(2-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)benzotriazole
Supplier: BASF

2. Tinuvin 328

Chemical Name: 2-(2-Hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-amylphenyl)benzotriazole
Supplier: BASF

3. Tinuvin 350

Chemical Name: 2-(2-Hydroxy-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)benzotriazole
Supplier: BASF

4. Uvinul 3039

Chemical Name: 2-(2-Hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)benzotriazole
Supplier: BASF (formerly Bayer)

Note: Some of these compounds may exist in both solid and liquid forms depending on formulation and carrier systems.

Now let’s look at how they compare across key parameters.

📊 Side-by-Side Comparison Table

⚠️ Note: Values may vary slightly based on supplier data and testing conditions.

🧪 Performance Breakdown

Let’s now go beyond the table and dig into what these numbers really mean in real-world applications.

🌞 UV Absorption Efficiency

All these compounds operate in the UV-A range (320–400 nm), which is crucial for preventing photooxidative degradation. UV-1130, Tinuvin 350, and Uvinul 3039 all show strong absorption around 345–350 nm, making them effective at blocking harmful UV-A rays.

However, Tinuvin 328, while having a similar absorption peak, tends to degrade faster under prolonged UV exposure due to its branched tert-amyl groups, which are less thermally stable than long-chain alkoxy groups.

💧 Solubility and Compatibility

This is where UV-1130 truly shines. Its long octyloxy chain makes it highly compatible with a wide range of resin systems, including:

• Acrylics
• Polyesters
• Polyurethanes
• Epoxy resins

In contrast, Tinuvin 326, with its methoxy group, has limited solubility in non-polar media, often requiring co-solvents or surfactants to ensure proper dispersion.

Uvinul 3039 and Tinuvin 350 share similar structural advantages to UV-1130, but UV-1130 has an edge in terms of low color formation, which is critical in clear coatings and cosmetic applications.

🔥 Thermal and Volatility Profile

Thermal stability and low volatility are essential for processes involving elevated temperatures, such as extrusion or baking cycles in coatings.

• UV-1130 and Tinuvin 350 exhibit excellent thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures above 250°C.
• Tinuvin 328, on the other hand, starts to volatilize significantly above 180°C, leading to potential losses during processing.
• Tinuvin 326 falls somewhere in the middle—it’s not overly volatile but still shows signs of sublimation under high-temperature curing conditions.

🐟 Environmental & Toxicological Considerations

Environmental impact and safety are increasingly important factors in material selection.

• Tinuvin 328 has raised some concerns regarding aquatic toxicity, and its persistence in the environment has led to increased scrutiny in Europe under REACH regulations.
• UV-1130, Tinuvin 350, and Uvinul 3039 have lower ecotoxicity profiles, largely due to their higher molecular weight and lower water solubility, which reduce bioavailability.
• Tinuvin 326, while generally safe, has shown moderate effects on aquatic organisms in some studies.

From a human health standpoint, all these compounds are considered low hazard when used within recommended concentrations (<0.5%–2%), though skin contact should be avoided.

🧰 Application-Specific Comparisons

Let’s zoom in on specific applications and see how UV-1130 compares to its counterparts in real-world scenarios.

🎨 Coatings Industry

In architectural and industrial coatings, UV protection is key to maintaining gloss, color, and mechanical integrity over time.

• UV-1130 excels in waterborne and high-solid systems due to its liquid form and excellent compatibility.
• Tinuvin 350 is also a top performer here, especially in automotive OEM coatings, where durability is paramount.
• Tinuvin 328 is still used in some coil coating applications, but its volatility limits its use in thin-film systems.

💡 Tip: For UV-curable coatings, UV-1130 offers superior stability and minimal interference with photoinitiator systems.

🛠️ Plastic and Polymer Applications

Whether it’s polyethylene mulch film or polycarbonate lenses, UV protection is vital to prevent embrittlement and discoloration.

• UV-1130 works well in polyolefins, PVC, and engineering plastics, offering good migration resistance and long-term stability.
• Tinuvin 328 is popular in agricultural films due to its cost-effectiveness, though its volatility means it may need to be replenished periodically.
• Uvinul 3039 is often used in cosmetic packaging and medical devices thanks to its low color and regulatory acceptance.

☀️ Personal Care and Sunscreen Formulations

Here, UV absorbers must meet stringent safety standards and offer broad-spectrum protection.

• UV-1130 is approved for use in European and Asian markets under certain concentration limits and is valued for its low irritation profile.
• Uvinul 3039 is perhaps the most widely used HPBT in sunscreens, particularly in Asia.
• Tinuvin 350 is also used but tends to be more expensive and harder to formulate due to its higher viscosity in some forms.

⚠️ Note: None of these compounds are approved for use in the U.S. FDA-approved sunscreen monograph, but they are commonly used in non-U.S. markets and in cosmetic formulations.

📈 Market Trends and Future Outlook

As sustainability becomes a driving force in chemical innovation, UV absorbers like UV-1130 are gaining favor due to their:

• Low environmental impact
• High efficiency at low dosage
• Improved processing behavior

Moreover, with the rise of green chemistry and circular economy initiatives, there is growing interest in UV absorbers that can be recycled or reused without compromising performance.

Recent studies suggest that UV-1130, along with Tinuvin 350 and Uvinul 3039, could be integrated into bio-based resins and renewable polymers without significant loss of efficacy—a promising development for the future.

🧪 Laboratory Insights: Real-World Testing Results

While datasheets give us a snapshot, real-world testing tells the full story. Several comparative studies have evaluated UV-1130 alongside other HPBTs in accelerated weathering tests (e.g., QUV aging chambers). Here’s a summary of findings:

These results align with expectations: UV-1130 performs admirably, especially in gloss retention and color stability, rivaling Tinuvin 350 and outperforming older-generation absorbers like Tinuvin 328.

📚 References (Selected Literature)

Below are some references consulted during the preparation of this article. These include manufacturer technical data sheets, peer-reviewed research papers, and industry reports.

1. BASF Technical Data Sheet – Tinuvin 326, 328, 350, Uvinul 3039
2. Cytec Industries Inc. – UV Absorbers and Stabilizers for Polymers (2018)
3. Zhang, Y. et al. “Photostability of Polypropylene Films Stabilized with Different UV Absorbers.” Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol. 94, Issue 10, 2009.
4. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – REACH Registration Dossiers for Tinuvin 328 and Tinuvin 350
5. Lee, K. M. et al. “Evaluation of UV Absorbers in Cosmetic Emulsions.” Journal of Cosmetic Science, Vol. 68, No. 4, 2017.
6. Iwata, H. et al. “Synthesis and Photostability of Novel Benzotriazole UV Absorbers.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 102, Issue 3, 2006.
7. ISO 4892-3:2016 – Plastics — Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources — Part 3: Fluorescent UV Lamps
8. OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals – Screening Tests for Endocrine Disruptors (2018)
9. Wang, X. et al. “Performance Evaluation of UV Absorbers in Automotive Clearcoats.” Progress in Organic Coatings, Vol. 123, 2018.
10. Liu, J. et al. “Comparative Study of Benzotriazole UV Stabilizers in Polyurethane Systems.” Polymer Engineering & Science, Vol. 59, Issue 2, 2019.

✅ Final Thoughts

In the ever-evolving world of UV protection, UV-1130 stands out as a versatile and effective solution, especially for applications demanding low volatility, high compatibility, and environmental responsibility. While stalwarts like Tinuvin 328 and Tinuvin 350 still hold strong positions, UV-1130 and Uvinul 3039 represent the next generation of UV absorbers—cleaner, smarter, and more adaptable.

Whether you’re formulating a durable automotive clearcoat, a flexible plastic film, or a gentle skincare product, choosing the right UV absorber is more than just a technical decision—it’s a commitment to quality, longevity, and sustainability.

And if you ask me, UV-1130 might just be the quiet hero your next project needs. 🦸‍♂️☀️

Stay tuned for our upcoming article comparing UV-1130 with HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers)—because sometimes, teamwork makes the dream work.

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