Guide to Stabilizers

These stabilizers deactivate metal ions by forming chelate complexes around them, preventing them from being oxidized.

These stabilizers protect materials such as plastics from UV degradation. UV absorbers, for example, are light stabilizers that absorb damaging UV radiation.

These chemicals wok to reduce the rate of corrosion in materials prone to certain environmental factors.

Emulsifier stabilizers help stabilize emulsions by enhancing the solubility of chemical compounds.

These chemicals prevent undesired oxidation of materials, including foods and plastics.

Acid scavengers, also known as antacids, neutralize acidic impurities that could be damaging for polymers.

Heat stabilizers, also known as thermal stabilizers, prevent chemical changes that typically occur at higher temperatures, allowing the material to maintain structural integrity when exposed to high heat situations. Similarly, flame retardants can be added to polymers to improve their resistance to fire.

Food stabilizers function the same as other stabilizers but must meet additional requirements. Namely, these requirements are that the stabilizer is safe for human consumption and is pleasant to the human palette.

Food stabilizers don't just serve to increase the shelf life of food by preventing degradation. On top of this function, food stabilizers help to improve the functional stability and overall texture of food. For example, food stabilizers are commonly used to add viscosity and body to food mixtures, which helps create a better mouthfeel and flavor release for more liquidy foods.

At one time, gelatin was the most common food stabilizer in the industry, used to help stave off degradation in a variety of foods. However, this animal protein has mostly been replaced with plant-based products to reduce costs. Today, the majority of food stabilizers are plant-derived polysaccharide food gums.

Some of these are listed below:

• Locust bean gum: Also known as carob bean gum, this soluble fiber is derived from the endosperm of specific African trees.
• Guar gum: This gum is derived from the endosperm of the guar bush bean, which is an Indian legume commonly grown in Texas. It is soluble at cold temperatures, making it a good choice for frozen foods.
• Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC): This stabilizer is derived from the bulky components of plant materials, also known as pulp cellulose.
• Xanthan gum: This popular stabilizer is produced in culture by the microorganism Xanthomonas campestris.
• Sodium alginate: This stabilizer is an extract of seaweed and brown kelp.
• Carrageenan: Another sea-derived stabilizer, Carrageenan, is extracted from Irish Moss and other red algae from the coasts of Ireland, Chile, and the Philippines. It is often used as a secondary stabilizer to help reduce food separation.

Each of these food stabilizers has unique characteristics that can be used individually or in combination to improve the overall effectiveness of the final product.

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Unpaved roads make up a large portion of total constructed roads, often used for temporary purposes and rural access. While these roads are common, they often have serviceability issues due to high traffic demand and environmental conditions that negatively affect the underlying soil. As a result, the transportation industry often uses chemical stabilizers in the underlying soil to improve mechanical performance and reduce maintenance costs.

Chemical stabilizers are added to the soil through a blend of water and chemical additive. This chemical either improves the load-bearing capacity of the soil or decreases permeability — some chemical mixtures will do both. The three primary types of chemical stabilizers used in transportation are as follows:

• Asphaltic: These stabilizers use an asphalt emulsion as a base and typically work best on more granular soil types.
• Enzymatic: These stabilizers are based on organic elements like proteins. They are bio-degradable, making them ideal for temporary applications. However, these stabilizers take longer to set and require fine, organic soil with medium plasticity.
• Polymeric: Polymer-based stabilizers are applicable for all types of soils, though they work best in dry soils with clay and silt.

The efficacy of these chemicals depends on how well the chemical interacts with the soil at a microscopic level. However, when these chemicals are applied appropriately to their optimal soil types, they can double the overall strength of the soil. This improved strength means that the soil can stand up against daily wear and tear more effectively, in turn reducing overall road maintenance costs.

Medical equipment and devices are increasingly being made with plastics for their weight, cost, and performance. However, many of these parts are put in environmental conditions that may degrade the plastic over time. Most specifically, imaging equipment that uses gamma rays and electron beams can damage plastics over time, resulting in expensive replacements and repairs. To prevent damage from these sources, medical device manufacturers use stabilizers.

Many plastic medical device developers use stabilizers to mitigate the negative effects of gamma and electron beam rays on plastics. This is typically done using two types of stabilizers, described in more detail below:

• Radiation stabilizers: Also known as “antirads,” radiation stabilizers are primarily used to mitigate the effects of gamma rays on plastics. While many polymers with aromatic ring structures are naturally more resistant to radiation, antirads can further improve this protection.
• UV stabilizers: UV light is another potential degrading factor for plastics as it can initiate oxidation. Exposure to the outdoors or UV-radiating lamps are common causes of degradation in plastics and can occur in hospitals. These effects can be prevented using UV stabilizers.

These stabilizers are often used to help preserve medical equipment over time, reducing maintenance needs and equipment costs.

An elastomer is defined as a polymer with both viscosity and elasticity as well as weak intermolecular forces. The name elastomer is even derived from the term "elastic polymer." The name that most people know this substance by, however, is "rubber."

Elastomers are primarily used for adhesives, seals and molded flexible parts like tires, shoe soles, and insulating components. However, elastomers are very susceptible to oxidation and UV radiation, especially in the presence of heat. As a result, UV and thermal stabilizers are often added to elastomers to help improve their performance in real-world applications.

This document is for informational purposes only. You accept sole responsibility for reading and complying with the Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s), as well as any other safety information, relating to the products listed herein. The information contained herein is based on Brenntag’s knowledge at the time of publication or release and not on any publications, independent studies, empirical evidence or other form of verification. You should not use or rely on any statements contained herein as a basis for any representations or warranties to your customers or end users as to the safety, efficacy or suitability of any product or for purposes of ensuring your compliance with any laws or regulations. Brenntag makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein or as to fitness of any product for any particular purpose. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an authorization to use or an inducement to practice any patent, trade secret or other intellectual property right. Before producing and distributing any product, it is your sole responsibility to adequately test and document the performance of the product and acquire any required intellectual property rights. You assume all risks for failing to do so and Brenntag shall not be liable (regardless of fault) to you, your employees, customers or end users or any third party for direct, special or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the furnishing or use of this information. Please contact your local Brenntag representative if you have any questions about this information.

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