University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (4): 310-316.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202503123

Special Issue:

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Light stabilizers: the “sunscreen” for polymer products

Tiantian Qiu, Yiying Chen, Hongtai Chen, Cuiying Liao, Liyan Zeng, Xia Pu, Xiangyang Zhou, Jingqi Shang   

  1. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2025-03-26 Accepted:2025-08-29 Published:2026-04-24
  • Contact: Jingqi Shang E-mail:shangjq919@163.com

Abstract: Polymer materials are susceptible to chain scission, performance degradation, discoloration, and reduced service life when exposed to outdoor light, heat, and oxidative conditions. This article elucidates the chemical nature of light stabilizers by analyzing the composition of commercial sunscreens, while detailing their classification and anti-aging mechanisms. Through the illustrative case study of “An An's Sunscreen Quest”, we demonstrate the prevalent types and functional mechanisms of light stabilizers in four practical applications: UV-protective clothing, playground slides, waste containers, and synthetic turf. The primary objective is to enhance public understanding of light stabilizers' crucial role in prolonging polymer material durability, while emphasizing their scientific and technological significance in both daily life and engineering applications.

Key words: Light shielding agent, UV absorber, Plastics, Popularization of science