Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Coating Effects Segment

Ciba ® IRGAFOS ® 168

Processing Stabiliser
General IRGAFOS 168 is a trisarylphosphite processing stabiliser. It is a highly
effective, low-volatile and hydrolysis resistant antioxidant for coating
resins. It protects the resin polymer against oxidation during resin
synthesis, manufacturing of the paint, processing (thermal curing and
overbaking) and the designed life-time of the final coating. IRGAFOS 168
provides excellent protection against discolouration and change of
physical properties caused by excessive heat exposure.

Chemical Structure

O)3P

Tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite; Molecular Weight: 646.9

CAS Number: 31570-04-4

Physical Properties IRGAFOS 168 is offered in two different product forms:

(typical values) Appearance : white powder IRGAFOS 168
white free-flowing powder IRGAFOS 168 FF

Melting point : 185°C

Solubility (g/100g solution) at 20°C :

Acetone 1
Cyclohexane 10
Hexane 11
Ethanol 0.1
Methanol < 0.01
Ethyl acetate 4
Toluene 30
Water < 0.01 (degradation)

Applications IRGAFOS 168 provides outstanding thermal and colour stability to a

variety of coating resins upon exposure to high temperatures during
synthesis and subsequent processing. It is particularly suited to
stabilise alkyd and polyester resin based coating systems that are
used in applications such as

• industrial powder coatings (electrical and gas oven heating)

• coil coatings
• other industrial high bake coatings

A special feature of the IRGAFOS 168 phosphite stabiliser is its

Edition 31.05.2005 © 2005 Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc. Page 1 of 3

Recommended concentration:
(based on resin solids)
• industrial powder coatings
• coil coatings
• other industrial high bake
coatings
Safety and Handling
Trademark
Important Notice
Edition 31.05.2005
Ciba ® IRGAFOS ® 168
Processing Stabiliser
efficiency in presence of NOx gases and thus its potential to function in
critical gas oven curing conditions.
In electrical ovens and gas fired ovens where the coated substrates
being exposed to only very low NOx concentrations, a combination
IRGAFOS 168 with hindered phenolic antioxidants such as IRGANOX
1076 or IRGANOX 1010 typically leads to a synergistic performance
improvement. In the presence of NOx the same combination often
exhibits adverse discolouration effects, however. In this case phenol-
free synergistic antioxidant systems can be obtained by using
IRGAFOS 168 in combination with hindered amine light stabilisers
(HALS) such as TINUVIN 111 FD, TINUVIN 292 or TINUVIN 622 LD.
For improved performance IRGAFOS 168 may also be combined with
other phosphite or phosphonite co-stabilizers such as IRGAFOS 38,
IRGAFOS XP 40 and IRGAFOS XP 60 or with thiosynergists such as
IRGANOX PS 800.
The amount of IRGAFOS 168 required for optimum performance should
be determined in trials covering a concentration range.
0.2 - 0.8% IRGAFOS 168
alone or in combination with synergists
IRGAFOS 168 is sensitive to moisture. Commercial quantities are
offered in special metalised plastic inner packagings to prevent
hydrolysis of the product upon storage. To ensure optimum
performance, opened packages and small samples should be used up
without delay and care taken to avoid exposure to moist environments.
IRGAFOS 168 should be handled in accordance with good industrial
practice. Detailed information is provided in the Safety Data Sheet.
IRGAFOS and IRGANOX are registered trademarks.
IMPORTANT: The following supersedes Buyer’s documents. SELLER
MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. No statements herein are to be construed
as inducements to infringe any relevant patent. Under no
circumstances shall Seller be liable for incidental, consequential or
indirect damages for alleged negligence, breach of warranty, strict
liability, tort or contract arising in connection with the product(s).
Buyer’s sole remedy and Seller’s sole liability for any claims shall be
© 2005 Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc. Page 2 of 3
 Ciba ® IRGAFOS ® 168
Processing Stabiliser

Buyer’s purchase price. Data and results are based on controlled or lab
work and must be confirmed by Buyer by testing for its intended
conditions of use. The product(s) has not been tested for, and is
therefore not recommended for, uses for which prolonged contact with
mucous membranes, abraded skin, or blood is intended; or for uses for
which implantation within the human body is intended.

Edition 31.05.2005 © 2005 Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc. Page 3 of 3