Natural Antioxidants in Polymer Stabilization
Summary
Natural antioxidants, derived from plant extracts and agricultural by-products, have emerged as sustainable alternatives to synthetic stabilisers for polymers. These compounds—primarily polyphenols such as flavonoids and phenolic acids—act by scavenging free radicals and interrupting oxidative chain reactions that compromise polymer integrity. By incorporating extracts from sources such as tea waste, grape peels or herb residues, manufacturers can enhance thermo-oxidative resistance, prolong service lifetimes and reduce reliance on petrochemical additives. Applications span conventional plastics like polyethylene and emerging biopolymers such as polylactic acid, with performance assessed by metrics including oxidation induction time, mechanical retention and thermal onset of degradation. The shift towards natural stabilisers aligns with global imperatives for eco-friendly materials, offering the dual benefits of valorising waste streams and mitigating potentially harmful residues in consumer products. While variable extract composition and long-term stability remain challenges, advances in extraction technologies and synergistic formulations are rapidly improving efficacy. Overall, the integration of natural antioxidants represents a transformative pathway in polymer science, balancing material performance with environmental stewardship.
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Natural Antioxidants in Polymer Stabilization publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in natural antioxidants in polymer stabilization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Natural antioxidant: A plant-based compound that inhibits oxidation by neutralising free radicals.
Oxidation induction time (OIT): The period before rapid oxidative degradation begins under specified thermal conditions.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): A technique measuring changes in mass as a function of temperature to assess thermal stability.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): A method that records heat flow into or out of a sample to determine phase transitions and oxidative onset.
Polyphenols: A class of natural compounds with multiple phenolic groups known for antioxidant activity.
References
- On the use of black tea waste as a functional filler for manufacturing self-stabilizing polyethylene composites: In-depth thermal analysis. Industrial Crops and Products (2025).
- Biodegradable PLA-based materials modified with hemp extract. Polymer Testing (2024).
- Processing Stabilization of Polyethylene with Grape Peel Extract: Effect of Extraction Technology and Composition. Molecules (2023).
- Natural Compounds as Sustainable Additives for Biopolymers. Polymers (2020).
- Flavonoids as Natural Stabilizers and Color Indicators of Ageing for Polymeric Materials. Polymers (2015).
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