Technical Information

Plastic Additives
 

Irgafos® 168
Hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer

September 2021 | Data Sheet | Replaced version August 2021 TI/EVK 1018e / Page 1 of 3

® = registered trademark of BASF SE

Characterization Irgafos® 168 is a hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer. As a

secondary antioxidant, Irgafos® 168 reacts during processing with hydroper-
oxides formed by autoxidation of polymers preventing process induced
degradation and extending the performance of primary antioxidants.

Chemical name Tris(2,4-di-tert.-butylphenyl)phosphite

CAS number 31570-04-4

Chemical formula

Molecular weight 646.9 g/mol

Applications The application range of Irgafos® 168 – synergistically combined with other
BASF anti-oxidants – comprises polyolefins and olefin-copolymers such as
polyethylene (e. g. HDPE, LLDPE), polypropylene, polybutene and ethylene-
vinylacetate copolymers as well as polycarbonates and polyamides. The
blends can also be used in polyesters, styrene homo- and copolymers,
adhesives and natural and synthetic tackifier resins, elastomers such as
BR, SEBS, SBS, and other organic substrates. Irgafos® 168 blends can be used
in combination with light stabilizers of the Uvinul®, Tinuvin® and Chimassorb®
range.

Features / benefits Irgafos® 168 is an organophosphite of low volatility and is particularly resistant
to hydrolysis. It protects polymers which are prone to oxidation, during the
processing steps (compounding/pelletizing, fabrication and recycling) from
molecular weight change (by chain scission or crosslinking) and prevents
discoloration.
Irgafos® 168 performs best when combined with other BASF antioxidants.
Blends of Irgafos® 168 with hindered phenols of the Irganox® range (Irganox
B-blends) are particularly effective. The hindered phenols additionally provide
storage stability and give the polymer long term protection against
thermooxidative degradation. Irgafos® 168 comprised in phenol free systems
with other appropriate BASF stabilizers addresses specific stabilization
requirements.

Product forms Irgafos® 168 white, free-flowing powder

Irgafos® 168 white, free-flowing granules
   
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Physical properties Melting range 183 – 186 °C
Specific gravity (20 °C) 1.03 g/ml

Bulk density
Powder 480 – 570 g/l
FF 480 – 550 g/l
Solubility (20 °C) g/100 g solution
Acetone 1
Chloroform 36
Cyclohexane 16
Ethanol 0.1
Ethyl acetate 4
n-Hexane 11
Methanol < 0.01
Dichloromethane 36
Toluene 30
Water < 0.01

Health & Safety Irgafos® 168 exhibits a very low order of oral toxicity and does not present any
abnormal problems in its handling or general use.
Detailed information on handling and any precautions to be observed in the
use of the product(s) described in this leaflet can be found in our relevant
safety data sheet.
When using this product, the information and advice given in our Safety Data
Sheet should be observed. Due attention should also be given to the
precautions necessary for handling chemicals.

   
TI/EVK 1018e September 2021 Page 3 of 3 Irgafos® 168

 
Note The descriptions, designs, data and information contained herein are presented
in good faith and are based on BASF’s current knowledge and experience. They
are provided for guidance only, and do not constitute the agreed contractual
quality of the product or a part of BASF’s terms and conditions of sale.
Because many factors may affect processing or application/use of the product,
BASF recommends that the reader carry out its own investigations and tests to
determine the suitability of a product for its particular purpose prior to use. It is
the responsibility of the recipient of product to ensure that any proprietary rights
and existing laws and legislation are observed. No warranties of any kind, either
expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose, are made regarding products described or
designs, data or information set forth herein, or that the products, descriptions,
designs, data or information may be used without infringing the intellectual
property rights of others. Any descriptions, designs, data and information given
in this publication may change without prior information. The descriptions,
designs, data and information furnished by BASF hereunder are given gratis
and BASF assumes no obligation or liability for the descriptions, designs, data
or information given or results obtained, all such being given and accepted at
the reader’s risk.

September 2021

BASF Schweiz AG
Plastic Additives
4057 Basel, Switzerland
www.performancechemicals.basf.com