Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)—the Natural Antioxidant for Polyolefins

Abstract

The antioxidant effect of alpha-tocopherol (ATP) in biological systems, where it is better known as vitamin E, has been well-documented. However, the potential use of ATP as a stabilizer in polymers had had only limited evaluation, so several studies were commissioned to obtain reliable and relevant data pertaining to the capability of ATP as a polymer additive. Data showed that ATP offers several distinct advantages in polymer stabiliza tion. Besides its environmental safety, it is also an excellent processing stabi lizer and, in combination with synergistic additives, a superior color stabilizer. Thermal stability of the product is excellent, with no significant weight loss un til almost 300°C. Migration into food product, a critical concern with most other additives, is negligible because of ATP's limited volatility and is also of little concern because of its GRAS (FDA's "generally recognized as safe") status. Furthermore, even the breakdown products (mostly tocopherol quinone compounds) are harmless.