Because the sun contains a large number of harmful ultraviolet light to colored objects, its wavelength is about 290-460nm, these harmful ultraviolet light through the chemical REDOX effect, so that the color molecules decompose and fade, in the face of this situation, came into being a new type of additive, can prevent the production of oxidation, this material is – ultraviolet absorber. The use of ultraviolet absorbers can effectively prevent or weaken the damage to the color of the protected object. Let’s take a look at UV absorbers.

What are UV absorbers?

Ultraviolet absorber（UV absorbers） is one of many chemical additives, is a light stabilizer, can absorb sunlight and fluorescent light source in the ultraviolet part, and itself does not change. Ultraviolet absorbers are a class of substances that prevent the degradation of polymers caused by sunlight or other artificial ultraviolet light. For example, plastics and other polymer materials under sunlight and fluorescence, due to the action of ultraviolet light, automatic oxidation reaction, resulting in degradation of polymers and deterioration, so that the appearance and mechanical properties deteriorate. After adding ultraviolet absorber, this high-energy ultraviolet light can be selectively absorbed, so that it becomes harmless energy and released or consumed.

After adding ultraviolet absorber, this high-energy ultraviolet light can be selectively absorbed, so that it becomes harmless energy and released or consumed. Due to the different types of polymers, the ultraviolet wavelength of degradation is not the same, different ultraviolet absorbers can absorb different wavelengths of ultraviolet light, when used, should be selected according to the type of polymer ultraviolet absorbers.

Mechanism of ultraviolet absorbent

There are two main mechanisms of action of ultraviolet absorbers: absorption and dispersion.

The first is the absorption mechanism. Uv absorbers can absorb UV radiation, converting its energy into low-energy heat, thus avoiding UV damage to the skin. This absorption is achieved through a specific chemical structure in the absorbent molecule. In the absorbent molecules, there are usually benzene ring, ketone group, phenol group and other structures, which can absorb ultraviolet radiation and make electronic transitions. In this process, the energy of UV radiation is absorbed by absorbent molecules, thus protecting the skin from UV damage.

The second is the dispersion mechanism. In addition to absorbing the energy of UV radiation, UV absorbers also protect the skin by means of dispersion. Dispersion means dispersing UV radiation over a wider area so that it does not concentrate on the skin, thereby reducing damage to the skin. Dispersion is achieved by the shape and structure of the absorbent molecules. Absorbent molecules usually have a large spatial volume and molecular weight, which can disperse ultraviolet radiation over a larger area, thereby reducing the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.

In addition to the absorption and dispersion mechanism, UV absorbers can also protect the skin in other ways. For example, some absorbents also have antioxidant properties that can reduce the production of free radicals caused by UV light, thus reducing damage to the skin. In addition, some absorbents also have anti-inflammatory and repair functions, which can alleviate the inflammatory response of ultraviolet light to the skin and promote the repair and regeneration of the skin.

Application of ultraviolet absorbent

Uv absorbers are widely used in various chemical products, such as coatings, plastics, rubber, cosmetics and so on. Coatings and plastic products are the main application areas for UV absorbers because of their very high UV protection requirements. At the same time, UV absorbers are also widely used in automotive, building materials and fibers to protect these products from UV oxidation and aging. In addition, they are also used in medicine, food, industry and other fields, which are of great help to protect human health, prevent certain foods from deteriorating due to ultraviolet irradiation, and extend the service life of products.

Uv absorbers themselves are a chemical that protects against UV damage, so they are also widely used in various cosmetics and sunscreen products. Their job is to absorb or scatter UV rays, preventing them from causing damage to the skin. Ultraviolet is a kind of electromagnetic wave, its wavelength is short, the shorter it is more harmful to the skin. There are three types of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB and UVC, of which UVC is absorbed by the atmosphere and cannot reach the ground, while UVA and UVB cause direct damage to the skin.

The role of UV absorbers is to absorb or scatter UVA and UVB UV rays to prevent their damage to the skin. The role of UVA and UVB is different, UVA can penetrate the skin surface deep into the skin, leading to skin aging, while UVB is the main cause of skin sunburn, but also lead to skin wrinkles, pigmentation spots and other problems. Therefore, some skin care products and cosmetics will add different kinds of UV absorbers to protect the skin from UV damage.

To sum up, UV absorbers play an important role in protecting skin and other materials from UV damage. But at the same time, we should also pay attention to the correct use of it to avoid negative effects. Here are some common uses of UV absorbers: