Metal deactivators are special phenolic antioxidants containing functional groups that enable them to complex with and deactivate metal ions, which can accelerate the oxidation of plastics. They are widely used in wire and cable insulation applications to protect plastics from exposure to metals such as copper during end use.
The presence of trace dissolved metals, such as copper, vanadium and iron in a fuel can accelerate the rate of oxidation. This oxidization can cause darkening, gum formation and sedimentation in fuel. As little as 0.01ppm of copper can catalyze fuel degradation reactions, meaning that any equipment containing copper alloys, such as pipelines and pumps, poses a potential oxidization risk. Metal deactivators are a proven, highly effective solution for eliminating the catalytic effect of trace metals.
