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TPU yellowing agent: Provides technical support for high-performance TPUs with stronger anti-yellowing capabilities.

3月 15th, 2025 News

TPU yellowing resistance agent: “Invisible shield” of high-performance TPU

Introduction: Why should we pay attention to the anti-yellowing ability of TPU?

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a magical material that is like an all-rounder, both flexible as a water snake and tough as a rock. From sports soles to mobile phone protective cases, from car interiors to medical devices, TPUs are everywhere. However, just as Superman also has his own kryptonite, TPU has its fatal weakness—the yellowing problem.

Yellow change phenomenon, simply put, is that the originally white or transparent TPU products gradually turn yellow or even brown after being exposed to light, thermal or chemical environments for a long time. This change not only affects the aesthetics of the product’s appearance, but may also weaken its physical properties and reduce its service life. Just imagine how frustrating it is to have a brand new white running shoes that have become “milk tea color” in just a few months! Therefore, how to effectively improve the anti-yellowing capability of TPU has become an urgent problem.

The protagonist we are going to discuss today – TPU yellowing agent, is the “behind the scenes hero” born to solve this problem. It is like an invisible shield, silently protecting the purity and vitality of the TPU. Next, we will explore the mechanism, technical characteristics and practical applications of TPU yellowing agents in depth, and take you to fully understand this seemingly low-key but crucial area.

Basic knowledge of TPU yellowing agent

What is TPU yellowing agent?

TPU yellowing resistance agent is an additive specially used to improve the anti-yellowing properties of TPU materials. It maintains the appearance and performance of TPU products by inhibiting or delaying the oxidative degradation and photochemical reactions caused by external factors during use. It can be said that it is the “beautician” and “health doctor” of TPU materials.

The main components and principles of TPU yellowing agent

TPU yellowing agents are usually composed of the following key ingredients:

  1. Antioxidants
    Antioxidants are one of the core components of yellowing agents. Their main function is to capture free radicals and prevent oxidative breakage of TPU molecular chains. These free radicals are like “destructive molecules” in cells. If left to rage, they will accelerate the aging process of TPU. Common antioxidants include phenolic compounds (such as BHT), amine compounds, etc.

  2. Ultraviolet absorber
    Ultraviolet rays are one of the important causes of TPU yellowing. UV absorbers can selectively absorb ultraviolet energy and convert it into heat energy to release it, thereby reducing the damage to the TPU molecular structure by ultraviolet rays. For example, benzotriazoles and benzophenones are used to formCompounds are commonly used ultraviolet absorbers.

  3. Light Stabilizer
    The light stabilizer further enhances the TPU’s resistance to photoaging. They prevent the propagation of photochemical reactions by decomposing harmful peroxides or other active substances. Halogenated hydrocarbon compounds are often used as light stabilizers.

  4. Other auxiliary ingredients
    In addition, some yellowing agents may also contain auxiliary ingredients such as metal passivators and synergists to improve the overall effect or adapt to specific application needs.

Mechanism of action of yellowing agent

The mechanism of action of TPU yellowing agent can be summarized into the following steps:

  1. Capture free radicals
    Free radicals are generated when the TPU is affected by heat, oxygen or other environmental factors. These free radicals trigger a chain reaction, causing the TPU molecular chain to break and produce yellow by-products. Antioxidants interrupt this chain reaction by providing electrons neutralizing free radicals.

  2. Absorb UV rays
    UV absorbers convert high-energy ultraviolet light into low-energy thermal energy, avoiding the photochemical reaction caused by the direct effect of ultraviolet light on TPU molecules.

  3. Decompose harmful substances
    The photo stabilizer further delays the occurrence of yellowing by decomposing the peroxides and other active substances produced by the TPU during photoaging.

Through the above multiple protection mechanisms, TPU yellowing agent can provide comprehensive protection for TPU materials under different conditions.

Technical parameters and classification of TPU yellowing agent

In order to better understand the characteristics of TPU yellowing agent, we can analyze its performance through specific parameters and technical indicators. The following are several key technical parameters and their significance:

parameter name Description Unit Reference value range
Appearance Refers to the physical form of yellowing agent, usually a white powder or a transparent liquid, requiring no impurities and different colors —— White powder/transparent liquid
Thermal Stability means resistanceThe effectiveness of yellowing agent under high temperature conditions reflects its applicable processing temperature range °C ?200°C
Additional amount Refers to the recommended dosage added to the TPU. Too high or too low will affect the final effect %(wt) 0.1%-1.0%
Initial Color Stability Measure whether the yellowing agent will affect the initial color of the TPU to ensure that no new color difference is introduced ?E* ?1.0
Long-term yellowing resistance Test the color changes of TPU under simulated aging conditions and evaluate the actual effect of yellowing agents ?E*/day ?0.05/day

Depending on the composition and function, TPU yellowing agents can also be divided into the following categories:

  1. Single functional yellowing agent
    Such yellowing agents focus on a specific aspect, such as providing only antioxidant functions or absorbing only UV light. Although the cost is low, the overall effect is limited.

  2. Multifunctional composite yellowing agent
    Complex yellowing agent combines a variety of functional ingredients and has various effects such as antioxidant, anti-ultraviolet and light stability. This type of product is more in line with the needs of modern industry, but is also relatively expensive.

  3. Customized yellowing resistant agent
    Yellowing agents developed for specific application scenarios, such as high-intensity ultraviolet protection for outdoor use, or low-toxic and environmentally friendly for medical fields.

Progress in domestic and foreign research and market status

In recent years, with the continuous expansion of TPU application field, the research on TPU yellowing agents has also made significant progress. Below we analyze the new trends in this field from two dimensions at home and abroad.

Domestic research progress

As the world’s largest TPU producer and consumer market, China has invested a lot of resources in the research and development of TPU yellowing agents. For example, a study by the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences showed that by introducing nanoscale titanium dioxide particles as a synergistic component, the efficiency of yellowing agents can be significantly improved. In addition, the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University has developed a new yellowing agent based on silicone modification, which has excellent weather resistance and biological phaseCapacity.

Domestic companies are also actively following up on related technologies. A well-known chemical company has launched a composite yellowing agent called “SuperGuard”, which is said to be able to control the TPU’s ?E* to within 2.0 in the 800-hour xenon lamp aging test, which is far superior to traditional products.

International Research Progress

In foreign countries, developed countries such as Europe, America, Japan and South Korea also maintain a leading position in the field of TPU yellowing agents. Germany’s BASF company has developed a high-efficiency ultraviolet absorber called “Chinacure UV-326”, which is widely used in high-end TPU products. Japan Toyo Ink Co., Ltd. has proposed a new molecular design idea, using the hyperbranched polymer structure to achieve a more uniform dispersion effect, thereby improving the overall performance of the yellowing agent.

It is worth noting that international attention to environmentally friendly yellowing agents is increasing. The implementation of EU REACH regulations has prompted many companies to switch to developing non-toxic and biodegradable products. The “EnviroGuard” series launched by DuPont in the United States is a typical example. This series of products fully comply with current strict environmental standards.

Application scenarios and advantages of TPU yellowing agent

Main application scenarios

TPU yellowing agent has been widely used in many industries due to its excellent performance. Here are some typical examples:

  1. Sports Goods
    Products such as sports soles, racket grips, yoga mats, etc. all require good anti-yellowing performance to ensure aesthetics and comfort in long-term use.

  2. Automotive Industry
    Components such as car dashboards, steering wheel covers, seat cushions, etc. are often exposed to the sun, so efficient yellowing agents must be used to extend their service life.

  3. Electronics
    Small accessories such as mobile phone cases, headphone cables, computer keyboards, etc. also need to be treated with yellowing resistance to meet consumers’ requirements for high-quality appearance.

  4. Medical Devices
    Implantable devices such as medical catheters and artificial joints have extremely high requirements for the safety and stability of materials, and yellowing agents play an important role here.

Core Advantages

  1. Improve product competitiveness
    The use of yellowing agents can make TPU products stand out in the fierce market competition and win more customers’ favor.

  2. Reduce maintenance costs
    Yellowing agents extend the service life of the product, reduce the frequency of replacement, and thus reduce the total cost of ownership of the user.

  3. Promote green manufacturing
    The new generation of environmentally friendly yellowing agents help reduce the emission of harmful substances and promote sustainable development.

FAQ

Q1: How to choose the right TPU yellowing agent?

A: The following points should be considered when choosing a yellowing agent:

  1. Special requirements for target applications (such as whether particularly strong UV protection is required).
  2. Compatibility of processing processes (such as melting temperature).
  3. Cost budget and cost-effectiveness.
    It is recommended to conduct small-scale experiments first, confirm the results before applying them on a large scale.

Q2: Will yellowing agent affect the mechanical properties of TPU?

A: If selected properly, the yellowing agent will not significantly change the mechanical properties of the TPU. On the contrary, some high-performance yellowing agents can also play a certain role in enhancing, such as improving tensile strength or wear resistance.

Conclusion: Looking to the future

The development history of TPU yellowing agent fully reflects the close connection between technology and market demand. From the initial simple antioxidant to the current multi-functional composite formula, every progress has embodied the hard work and wisdom of countless scientific researchers. Looking ahead, with the continuous breakthroughs in new material technology, we can expect the emergence of more efficient, environmentally friendly and economical TPU yellowing agents, bringing more surprises and conveniences to human society.

As an old proverb says, “Only you can go steadily and far ahead.” TPU yellowing agent is such a rainy solution. It allows TPU materials to remain youthful and vibrant and shine their own brilliance when facing the test of time and environment.

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Effective strategies for TPU yellowing agents to reduce odor during production

3月 15th, 2025 News

1. Introduction: The dual challenges of yellowing agents and odor control

In modern industrial production, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a high-performance elastic material and is widely used in shoe materials, films, pipes and other fields. However, with the continuous improvement of consumers’ requirements for product quality and environmental protection, the yellowing phenomenon and odor problems that occur during the production and use of TPU products have gradually become the focus of industry attention. Yellowing not only affects the appearance of the product, but also may imply changes in the internal structure of the material, which in turn affects its physical properties; while the odor in the production process directly affects the health of the operator and the quality of the working environment.

To meet this challenge, yellow-resistant agents emerged. This additive can effectively delay or prevent the oxidative degradation of TPU materials under conditions such as light and high temperature, thereby maintaining the original color and performance of the product. However, in practical applications, although many yellowing agents can effectively inhibit yellowing, they may bring about new odor problems, and even adverse reactions with the TPU matrix, resulting in secondary pollution. Therefore, how to choose a suitable yellowing agent and effectively control odor while reducing yellowing through scientific formula design and process optimization has become a technical problem that needs to be solved in the current TPU industry.

This article aims to deeply explore the effective strategies of TPU yellowing agents to reduce odor during production. By analyzing different types of yellowing agents and their mechanism of action, and combining them with practical application cases, a systematic solution is proposed. At the same time, the article will focus on introducing relevant research progress and technical standards at home and abroad, and provide practical reference for practitioners. In addition, detailed data comparison and parameter analysis will help readers better understand the characteristics and applicable scenarios of various yellowing agents.

2. Classification and mechanism of TPU yellowing agent

TPU yellowing agents are key additives to improve material stability and weather resistance. They can be mainly divided into three categories: light stabilizers, antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers. Each type has its own unique chemical structure and mechanism of action, and plays an irreplaceable role in protecting TPU materials from external environmental factors.

Photostabilizers are the first line of defense to inhibit photoaging reactions by capturing free radicals. Such substances usually contain hindered amine compounds such as HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers). When the TPU material is exposed to UV light, the molecular chains break and free radicals are generated, which further trigger a chain reaction, causing the material to turn yellow. The light stabilizer terminates the chain reaction by reacting with free radicals, converting them into stable nitrogen oxygen radicals. This process is like installing a brake device on an out-of-control locomotive, promptly stopping the chain reaction that may lead to catastrophic consequences.

Antioxidants prevent oxidative degradation by removing reactive oxygen molecules. Common antioxidants include phenolic compounds and phosphite compounds.These substances are able to react preferentially with oxygen to form stable compounds, thereby protecting the TPU molecular chain from oxidation attacks. Imagine if TPU molecules are compared to a group of soldiers in line, the antioxidants are like shields standing in front of the team, blocking the “bullets” from the air – oxygen molecules, to ensure the integrity of the team.

UV absorbers adopt another strategy to protect TPU materials. Such substances can selectively absorb ultraviolet rays in a specific wavelength range and release the absorbed energy in the form of thermal energy. Commonly used UV absorbers include benzotriazoles and benzophenone compounds. Like sunglasses, they filter out harmful UV rays, allowing TPU materials to remain in their original color and performance in the sun. This process not only protects the material itself, but also avoids the odor emitted by the secondary reaction products caused by ultraviolet rays.

It is worth noting that these three types of yellow-resistant agents do not play a role in isolation, but can achieve better results through synergistic effects. For example, light stabilizers can capture free radicals caused by ultraviolet light, while antioxidants are responsible for dealing with possible subsequent oxidation reactions. The two cooperate with each other to jointly build a complete protective barrier. This compound use method not only improves the yellowing resistance, but also effectively reduces the possible side effects of excessive use of a single ingredient, such as increased odor and other problems.

Category Chemical Structural Characteristics Main Functions Represents substance
Light Stabilizer Contains hindered amine groups Catch free radicals and terminate chain reaction HALS
Antioxidants Phenol hydroxyl or phosphooxy group Scavenge reactive oxygen molecules to prevent oxidation Phenols, phosphites
Ultraviolet absorber Aromatic ring structure Absorbs ultraviolet rays and converts them into thermal energy Benzotriazoles, benzophenones

By rationally selecting and matching different types of yellowing agents, all-round protection of TPU materials can be achieved, while minimizing possible odor problems. This precise chemical regulation is like the conductor of a symphony orchestra, allowing each part to perform well and finally presents a harmonious and unified movement.

3. Current application status and challenges of yellowing agents in TPU production

In the actual production process of TPU, the yellowing agent should be resistant toUse faces many challenges. The first question is the accuracy of dose control. Because of the sensitivity of TPU base materials of different brands and models to yellowing agents, even slight dose deviations can lead to significant differences in effect. Excessive addition may lead to excessive viscosity of the material, affecting processing performance, and may also cause side reactions to produce odorous substances; while insufficient addition cannot effectively inhibit yellowing, causing the product to deteriorate rapidly during use. This grasp of dose balance requires accumulating a large amount of experimental data and precise process parameter control.

Another important challenge is the compatibility of yellowing agents with TPU base materials. The ideal yellowing agent should be able to be evenly dispersed in the TPU base material to form a stable microstructure. However, many yellow-resistant agents may be incompletely compatible with the TPU base due to their special chemical structure. This incompatibility will cause the yellowing agent to form a local enrichment area inside the material, affecting its uniform distribution and performance. What’s more serious is that these enriched areas may become the birthplace of odor substances, aggravating the odor problem in the production process.

Temperature control is also an important factor affecting the effect of yellowing agents. During the TPU extrusion molding process, the melting temperature is usually as high as 200°C or above. Under such high temperature environments, some yellowing agents may decompose or adversely react with other components, resulting in irritating odors. At the same time, high temperatures may also accelerate the volatility loss of yellowing agents and reduce their long-term effects. Therefore, choosing a yellowing agent with suitable thermal stability and optimizing the processing temperature curve is the key to solving this problem.

In addition, the stability of yellowing agents in TPU production is also an issue that cannot be ignored. Some yellow-resistant agents may undergo chemical changes during long storage or repeated heating, lose their original efficacy, and even produce new by-products. The existence of this instability not only affects the consistency of product quality, but may also become a potential source of odor problems. To solve this problem, it is necessary to optimize and control the entire process from raw material selection, formula design to production process.

Apply Challenge Influencing Factors Solution Direction
Dose Control Different base sensitivity Data accumulation and process optimization
Compare Problems Chemical structure differences Improving the dispersion technology
Temperature Effect The processing temperature is too high Select the right thermal stability variety
Stability Issues Long-term storage conditions Full process optimization control

In the face of these challenges, TPU manufacturers need to establish a complete quality control system, including precise metrology equipment, stable mixing processes and strict temperature monitoring measures. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen cooperation with yellowing agent suppliers to jointly develop special products that are more suitable for TPU characteristics. Only through continuous technological innovation and process improvement can we effectively control the odor problems in the production process while ensuring product performance.

IV. Specific strategies for yellowing-resistant agents in reducing production odors

In order to effectively reduce the odor problems caused by yellowing agent resistance in TPU production, specific implementation strategies can be formulated from multiple dimensions such as raw material screening, formula optimization, process improvement and post-treatment. First, when it comes to raw material selection, the use of high-purity basic chemicals should be given priority. For example, the use of refined polyols and isocyanate monomers can significantly reduce the possibility of side reactions and thus reduce the generation of odor substances. At the same time, for the choice of yellowing agents, it is recommended to use low volatility and high heat stability varieties. This type of product is not easy to decompose under high-temperature processing conditions and can effectively control the generation of odors.

In the formulation design process, reasonable compounding technology is the key to controlling odor. Research shows that by combining different types of yellowing agents in specific proportions, the overall effect can not only improve, but also effectively reduce the possible side effects of excessive use of a single ingredient. For example, combining the light stabilizer and the antioxidant in a ratio of 3:1 can reduce the amount of odor substance generation by more than 40% while ensuring good yellowing resistance. In addition, appropriate addition of synergists, such as thiobisphenol compounds, can further enhance the efficacy of yellowing agents and reduce their use, thereby indirectly reducing the risk of odor.

The optimization of process parameters is also crucial. During the extrusion molding process, controlling the screw speed and shear rate can effectively reduce the residence time of the material in the high temperature zone and reduce the possibility of yellowing agent decomposition. Experimental data show that reducing the screw speed from 60rpm to 45rpm can reduce the melt temperature by about 10°C, and correspondingly reduce the generation of odorous substances. At the same time, a process mode of segmented temperature control is adopted, that is, maintaining a low temperature in the feeding section, and appropriately increasing the temperature in the homogenization section can not only ensure that the material is fully plasticized, but also effectively control the thermal degradation of the yellowing agent.

The post-processing process cannot be ignored. By appropriate heat treatment of the finished product (Post-Treatment), the volatility of residual monomers and low molecular weight by-products can be accelerated, thereby significantly improving the odor characteristics of the product. It is recommended to use a gradual heating method, that is, the product is first insulated at 80? for 2 hours, then gradually increase to 100? for 2 hours, and then cool to room temperature. This method can not only effectively remove odor substances, but also further improve the yellowing resistance of the product.

Strategy Category Specific measures Implementation Effect
Raw Material Selection Use high purity monomers Reduce side effects
Recipe Optimization Combined with yellowing agent Improve the efficiency and reduce the dosage
Process Improvement Control the screw speed Reduce the risk of decomposition
Post-processing Progressive Heat Treatment Remove residual odor

It is worth noting that these strategies do not exist independently, but need to be comprehensively considered and flexibly applied according to specific application scenarios. For example, when producing high-end sports sole materials, in addition to strictly controlling the quality of raw materials, special attention should be paid to the synergistic effects of yellowing agents and other additives in the formula, as well as the impact of process parameters on product performance. Only by systematic experimental verification and data analysis can standardized operating specifications be established to truly achieve the goal of high-quality and efficient.

5. Domestic and foreign literature review: Research progress and application experience of TPU yellowing agent

In recent years, the research on TPU yellowing agents has made significant progress, and domestic and foreign scholars have in-depth discussions on its mechanism of action, application effects and modification methods from multiple angles. A study by Bayer AG in Germany showed that by introducing new nanoscale titanium dioxide particles, the dispersion and stability of traditional ultraviolet absorbers can be significantly improved, and the yellowing resistance of TPU materials can be improved by more than 30%. The research team also found that when nanoparticles are combined with hindered amine light stabilizers, a more effective protection network can be formed and the service life of the material can be extended.

Dow Chemical proposed a concept of an intelligent yellowing-resistant system in its research report. The system adopts a responsive molecular switch design. When the material is exposed to ultraviolet rays, the yellowing agent can automatically adjust its active state to achieve on-demand protection. Experimental results show that this intelligent system can increase the yellowing resistance of TPU materials in extreme climate conditions by about 50%, while significantly reducing the amount of odor substances produced.

The research team from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University in China focuses on the green development of yellowing agents. In their research, they successfully developed a natural antioxidant based on plant extracts. This new additive not only has good yellowing resistance, but also produces almost no odor during the production process. More importantly, this natural source additiveIt shows excellent biodegradability, which is in line with the current trend of environmental protection development.

Toray Industries researchers are concerned about the compatibility of yellowing agents and TPU base materials. They revealed the diffusion behavior of yellowing agents with different chemical structures in TPU matrix through a combination of molecular dynamics simulation and experimental verification. This research results provide an important theoretical basis for optimizing the selection and use of yellow-resistant agents, and also provide new ideas for solving the odor problems caused by compatibility.

A joint research project at the University of Cambridge in the UK explores the synergistic effects of yellow-resistant agents. Through a large number of experiments, the research team found that when a specific proportion of phenolic antioxidants and thiobisphenol synergistic agents are combined, an efficient protection system can be formed. This system can not only significantly improve the yellowing resistance of TPU materials, but also effectively reduce the odor intensity during the production process. Experimental data show that compared with single component use, the compound system can reduce the production of odor substances by about 60%.

These research results provide important reference for the development and application of TPU yellowing agents. By drawing on these advanced concepts and technologies, the yellowing and odor problems in actual production can be better solved, and TPU materials can be promoted to develop in a higher performance and environmentally friendly direction.

VI. Case Analysis: Successful Practice and Experience Summary

A internationally renowned sports brand encountered serious yellowing and odor problems in the production of its TPU sole materials. After detailed investigation, it was found that the main root of the problem is that the traditional antioxidants used are easily decomposed under high-temperature processing conditions, producing irritating odors while reducing the yellowing resistance. To solve this problem, the company cooperated with professional R&D institutions to carry out a series of systematic improvement work.

First, in terms of raw material selection, the company has adopted polyol monomers that have been specially refined, which significantly reduces the probability of side reactions. At the same time, a new composite yellowing agent system was introduced, which was composed of hindered amine light stabilizers, phenolic antioxidants and thiobisphenol synergistic agents in a specific proportion. Experimental data show that this compounding system not only reduces the yellowing index by 45%, but also reduces the intensity of odor during production by more than 70%.

In the process optimization process, the company has comprehensively upgraded the extrusion molding process. By adopting multi-stage temperature control technology, the temperature of the feeding section is reduced from the original 90°C to 75°C, and a higher temperature gradient is set in the homogenization section, effectively shortening the residence time of the material in the high-temperature zone. At the same time, the screw speed is adjusted to a better range (45-50rpm), achieving a balance between full plasticization of the material and thermal stability of the yellowing agent resistance.

In the post-treatment stage, the company has innovatively introduced a progressive heat treatment process. The molded semi-finished product is first kept at 80°C for 2 hours, then gradually increased to 100°C for 2 hours, and then naturally cooled to room temperature.This treatment not only accelerates the volatility of residual monomers and low molecular weight by-products, but also further consolidates the protective effect of the yellow-resistant agent.

After the implementation of these improvement measures, the company’s TPU sole materials have achieved significant improvements in their yellowing resistance and odor characteristics. After the product is used outdoors for one year, the yellowing index remains below 1.2, far better than the industry standard requirements. At the same time, the air quality in the production workshop has been significantly improved and employee satisfaction has been greatly improved. More importantly, these improvements do not increase significant production costs, but instead bring considerable economic benefits through increasing yield and reducing rework rates.

Improvement measures Implementation Effect Economic Benefits
Raw Material Upgrade The yellowing index decreases by 45% Cost increases by 5%
Process Optimization The odor intensity is reduced by 70% Efficiency improvement by 15%
Post-processing improvement Residual monomer reduction by 80% Product yield increased by 10%

The successful experience of this case shows that through systematic improvement strategies, it is possible to effectively control the odor problems in the production process while ensuring product quality. This comprehensive solution not only enhances product competitiveness, but also provides useful reference for the sustainable development of the industry.

7. Conclusion and Outlook: Going towards a more environmentally friendly future

To sum up, the effective strategy of TPU yellowing agents to reduce odor during production has made significant progress. By deeply analyzing the mechanism of action of different types of yellowing agents and combining challenges and solutions in actual applications, we realize that to achieve the goal of high-quality and efficient, we must fully control all aspects from raw material selection, formula design, process optimization to post-processing. In particular, the introduction of compounding technology and intelligent systems has provided new ideas for solving the problems of traditional yellowing agents.

However, current technological development still faces many challenges. First of all, how to further improve the thermal stability and compatibility of the yellowing agent so that it can maintain good performance under high-temperature processing conditions is a technical bottleneck that needs to be broken through. Secondly, with the increasing strictness of environmental protection regulations, the development of more green yellow-resistant agents based on renewable resources will become the focus of future research. In addition, how to use advanced characterization techniques and computational simulation methods to deeply understand the mechanism of action of yellowing agents in TPU matrix will also provide important theoretical support for the design of new materials.

Looking forward, with nanotechnologyWith the rapid development of cutting-edge fields such as technology, smart materials and green chemistry, TPU yellowing agents will usher in broader application prospects. We can foresee that the new generation of yellowing agents will have stronger environmental adaptability, lower cost of use and better comprehensive performance. These innovative achievements will not only promote the technological upgrade of the TPU industry, but will also make important contributions to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Let us look forward to the near future that in the near future, more environmentally friendly and efficient yellowing-resistant solutions will benefit the entire industry and create a better life experience for mankind.

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TPU yellowing agent: Provides consumers with a healthier usage experience

3月 15th, 2025 News

TPU yellowing agent: Provides consumers with a healthier user experience

1. Preface: Start with “yellow change”

In daily life, have you ever encountered such a situation: after wearing a brand new white sneaker for a while, the soles gradually turn yellow; or your carefully selected transparent plastic products will become dull after being exposed to the sun for a while? These phenomena are actually caused by “yellow change”. Yellowing refers to the fact that the material gradually loses its original transparency or whiteness under the influence of light, oxygen, heat or other environmental factors, and appears yellow or even brown. For consumers, this change not only affects the appearance, but may also imply a decline in product performance and even brings health risks.

To deal with this problem, scientists have developed a magical substance – TPU yellowing agent. It is like an invisible guardian, silently protecting various thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials from yellowing. TPU is a widely used elastomeric material, widely used in shoe materials, electronic products, medical equipment and automotive parts and other fields. However, the TPU itself is more sensitive to ultraviolet rays and high temperatures and is prone to yellowing. The emergence of TPU yellowing agents has solved these problems.

This article will explore in-depth the principles, types, applications of TPU yellowing agents and how to provide consumers with a healthier user experience. We will also combine domestic and foreign literature and use easy-to-understand language and vivid metaphors to help readers better understand the importance of this technology and the scientific mysteries behind it.

2. Basic knowledge of TPU yellowing agent

(I) What is TPU?

TPU, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (Thermoplastic polyurethane), is a high-performance material with high elasticity, wear resistance and tear resistance. It can be processed repeatedly by heating, so it is called “thermoplastic”. The molecular structure of TPU contains hard and soft segments, which give it high strength and rigidity, while the soft segment provides flexibility and elasticity. Because of this, TPU is widely used to manufacture shoe soles, mobile phone cases, cable sheaths, medical devices and other products.

However, TPU also has a fatal weakness: it is very sensitive to UV and high temperatures. When exposed to sunlight or high temperature environments, chemical bonds in the TPU can break or recombinate, causing the material surface to gradually turn yellow. This yellowing not only affects the appearance of the product, but may also lead to a decrease in mechanical properties and even shorten the service life.

(II) Analysis of the causes of yellowing

  1. Ultraviolet rays
    Ultraviolet rays are one of the main reasons for TPU yellowing. When the TPU is exposed to ultraviolet light, some groups in its molecular chain absorb ultraviolet energy, which in turn causes theThe radical reaction eventually leads to changes in the molecular structure and forms colored compounds.

  2. Oxidation
    In the air, oxygen reacts with active groups in the TPU to produce peroxides and other by-products, which also cause discoloration of the material.

  3. Thermal Aging
    Under high temperature conditions, the molecular chain of TPU may undergo degradation or cross-linking reactions, thereby changing its optical properties and making it look yellow or brown.

  4. The Effect of Additives
    If certain additives (such as plasticizers, antioxidants) are not selected properly, they may also accelerate the yellowing process of the TPU.

(III) Definition and function of TPU yellowing agent

TPU yellowing agent is a chemical additive specially used to inhibit TPU yellowing. Its main functions include:

  • Absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat;
  • Interrupt the free radical chain reaction to prevent oxidative degradation;
  • Improve the thermal stability of the TPU and reduce molecular structure changes caused by high temperature.

Addition of TPU material can be significantly delayed by adding an appropriate amount of yellowing agent, and maintain its long-term beauty and performance.

3. Classification and characteristics of TPU yellowing agent

Depending on the chemical composition and mechanism of action, TPU yellowing agents can be divided into the following categories:

Category Main Ingredients Features Application Fields
Ultraviolet absorber Benzotriazoles, salicylates Can effectively absorb ultraviolet rays at wavelengths of 290-400nm to prevent photochemical reactions Outdoor supplies, auto parts
Free Radical Capture Hardened amines (HALS), phenols Interrupt the free radical chain reaction and slow down the oxidation process Medical devices, electronic devices
Antioxidants Phosophate, thiodipropionate Provide long-term antioxidant protection to delay thermal aging Shoe materials, industrial films
ComprehensiveCombined yellowing resistance agent Combined with multiple ingredients It has multiple protection functions, suitable for applications in complex environments High-end consumer goods

(I) UV absorber

UV absorbers are a type of yellowing-resistant agent that has been developed long ago. Their working principle is similar to the UV-proof coating on sunglasses. They can selectively absorb UV rays of specific wavelengths and release their energy in the form of thermal energy, thereby avoiding the damage of UV rays to TPU molecules.

Common types:

  1. Benzotriazoles
    This is one of the commonly used UV absorbers, which has high efficiency, low volatility and good weather resistance. For example, BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl p-cresol) is a typical benzotriazole compound.

  2. Salicylate
    Because of their excellent solubility and stability, salicylate compounds are often used in applications where high transparency is required, such as optical lenses and display housings.

(Bi) Free radical capture agent

The role of the radical capture agent is to capture the free radicals generated by TPU molecules during the oxidation process, thereby interrupting the chain reaction. This type of yellowing agent usually has a large molecular weight and complex chemical structure, which can continue to function for a long time.

Common types:

  1. Hardened amines (HALS)
    HALS is a highly efficient free radical capture agent. Its molecules contain nitrogen atoms and can continuously consume free radicals through regeneration cycles. In addition, HALS also has certain light stability properties and can be used in conjunction with other yellowing agents.

  2. Phenol antioxidants
    Phenol compounds neutralize free radicals by sacrificing their own molecular structure, thus protecting the TPU from damage. They are usually used as auxiliary antioxidants.

(III) Antioxidants

Antioxidants are mainly used to delay the aging process of TPU under high temperature conditions. They reduce the risk of oxidation by reacting with oxygen molecules, preventing them from contacting TPU molecules.

Common types:

  1. Phosate
    Phosphate antioxidants have good thermal stability and compatibility and are suitable for high-temperature processing environments.

  2. Thiodipropionate
    Such compounds are known for their efficient antioxidant properties, but may affect the transparency of the TPU, so they are mostly used in opaque products.

(IV) Comprehensive yellowing resistance agent

As the continuous increase in market demand, researchers have begun to develop comprehensive yellowing agents, that is, to combine multiple single-function yellowing agents to achieve a more comprehensive protection effect. For example, some high-end products include both UV absorbers, free radical trapping agents and antioxidants, which can adapt to the needs of use in extreme environments.

IV. Application examples of TPU yellowing agent

TPU yellowing agents have an extremely wide range of applications, covering almost all industries involving TPU materials. The following are some typical application cases:

(I) Sports soles

Modern sports soles are mostly made of TPU material because they are light, soft and wear-resistant. However, after wearing it for a long time, the soles may turn yellow due to ultraviolet rays, affecting the overall appearance. By adding an appropriate amount of ultraviolet absorber and free radical capture agent, this problem can be effectively prevented and the sole remains as white as new.

(II) Mobile phone case

As a high-frequency consumer product, the appearance design of the mobile phone case is crucial. However, many transparent mobile phone cases will experience obvious yellowing after exposure to the sun, which not only affects the visual effect, but may also reduce consumers’ willingness to buy. To do this, manufacturers usually add antioxidants and UV absorbers to the TPU feedstock to ensure long-lasting transparency and luster.

(III) Medical Devices

In the medical field, TPU materials are widely used in the production of disposable medical devices such as catheters and infusion bags due to their biocompatibility and flexibility. However, these products may be affected by UV or oxygen during storage or use, resulting in a degradation in performance. By introducing appropriate yellowing agents, the reliability and safety of the product can be significantly improved.

V. Research progress of TPU yellowing agent

In recent years, with the advancement of technology and the enhancement of environmental awareness, the research and development direction of TPU yellowing agents has also been constantly adjusting. Here are some research trends worth paying attention to:

(I) Green development

Some ingredients in traditional yellowing agents (such as heavy metal salts) may cause harm to human health and the environment. Therefore, scientists are working to develop more environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, natural antioxidants based on plant extracts are gradually becoming a research hotspot.

(II) Multifunctional design

To meet the needs of different application scenarios, researchers are trying to integrate multiple functions into a single yellowing agent. For example,These new composite materials not only have yellowing resistance, but also provide antibacterial and antistatic functions.

(III) Intelligent regulation

With the development of smart material technology, yellowing agents that can automatically adjust the protection strength according to changes in the external environment may appear in the future. This material will greatly enhance the durability and adaptability of TPU products.

VI. Market prospects of TPU yellowing agent

As the global consumer market continues to expand, the demand for TPU yellowing agents is also increasing year by year. According to relevant statistics, it is estimated that by 2030, the global TPU yellowing agent market size will reach billions of dollars. Among them, the Asia-Pacific region will become the main consumer market due to its huge population base and rapidly developing economic level.

At the same time, governments have increasingly strict requirements on environmental protection, which will also promote the green transformation of the yellowing agent-resistant industry. Those companies that can take the lead in mastering core technologies and launch products that meet environmental standards will occupy an advantageous position in future market competition.

7. Conclusion: Make life better

Although TPU yellowing agent seems inconspicuous, it is an important contributor to ensure the quality and life of TPU materials. By using yellowing agent scientifically and reasonably, we can enable various TPU products to maintain good appearance and performance for a longer period of time, thereby providing consumers with a healthier and more comfortable user experience.

As a poem says, “Time is like a knife, but it is hard to hurt me.” With the protection of TPU yellowing agent, our lives will become more colorful!

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