Copper inhibitor or copper deactivator is a functional additive used in polymer materials such as plastics and rubber. Its main function is to inhibit the aging catalytic effect of copper or copper ions on materials, prevent material degradation, discoloration, or mechanical property degradation caused by contact with copper. It is particularly important in fields such as wire conduit, cable sheath, electronic packaging materials, etc.
Copper and its alloys (such as wires) are widely used in power transmission, but when copper comes into direct contact with certain polymer materials (such as PVC, polyethylene), it may cause the following problems:
Catalytic oxidation:
Cu2+ is a strong oxidation catalyst that accelerates the oxidative fracture of polymer molecular chains, especially in high temperature and humid environments.
Acid corrosion：
In halogenated materials such as PVC, copper may react with the decomposed HCl to produce copper chloride (CuCl2), further accelerating material decomposition (self catalytic effect).
Appearance deterioration:
The migration of copper ions can cause green or black spots (copper rust) to appear on the surface of the material, affecting its appearance.
The mechanism of action of deactivator
Deactivators suppress the negative effects of copper through the following methods:
Chelated copper ions:
Combined with free Cu2+, stable complexes are formed to block their catalytic activity (such as benzotriazole compounds).
Passivation of copper surface:
Form a protective film on the surface of copper to prevent the release of copper ions (such as organic phosphorus compounds).
Neutralizing acidic substances:
In PVC, some deactivators can neutralize the HCl produced by decomposition, reducing the corrosion of copper (such as lead salt stabilizers that also have copper resistance function).
Copper Deactivators are a type of "Invisible Guardian" in polymer materials that significantly extend the service life of products such as wire sheathes by inhibiting the catalytic activity of copper. The core of its technology lies in precise chemical chelation and surface passivation, while balancing environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. In the design of wire casing, the coordinative formula of deactivators, flame retardant and other additives is the key to ensure the long-term reliability of materials.
Post time: Mar-05-2025