What Does
Ultraviolet Absorber Mean?
An ultraviolet absorber is a material that is used to dissipate ultraviolet light into a lower energy state. They are typically used to protect polymers by preventing the harmful ultraviolet light from degrading the polymer.
Corrosionpedia Explains Ultraviolet Absorber
Ultraviolet absorbers have many different material compositions, including:
- Benzotriazole is a common ultraviolet absorber for polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Cyanoacrylate is a common absorber for adhesives.
- Benzophenone is commonly used as an ultraviolet absorber for many different types of plastics.
There is a difference between ultraviolet absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers. Hindered amine light stabilizers "hinder" the negative effects that ultraviolet light can have on a material, whereas ultraviolet absorbers actually absorb the ultraviolet light and release the energy in the form of heat.