UV Green 018 vs UV Green 007

Differences in UV absorption and performance

The main function of UV absorbers is to protect plastics, coatings and films from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Without proper UV stabilisation, materials can yellow, crack or lose mechanical strength over time. Two commonly used HPT UV absorbers are UV Green 007 and UV Green 018, each with specific applications. These products correspond to the well-known BASF references: Tinuvin 1600 (UV Green 007) and Tinuvin 477 (UV Green 018). Understanding their differences helps in choosing the right product for the right application.

What is UV Green 007 (Tinuvin 1600)?

UV Green 007 is a high-performance UV absorber in powder form. It is mainly used in transparent plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylic and polyester. Its main benefit is broad-spectrum UV protection combined with strong thermal stability and low volatility. This makes it ideal for thin plastics that need long-term outdoor durability.

Typical applications include polycarbonate sheets, acrylic panels and other thin-section plastics exposed to sunlight. UV Green 007 helps prevent yellowing, surface roughness and loss of mechanical properties, keeping plastics clear and stable over time.

What is UV Green 018 (Tinuvin 477)?

UV Green 018 is a yellowish to light brownish viscous liquid UV absorber, designed for coatings, industrial clear coats and waterborne or solvent-based systems. Its main benefit is red-shifted absorption, which captures longer UV wavelengths, making it particularly suitable for protecting coating surfaces.

UV Green 018 works well in different coating formulations and maintains optical clarity, gloss and colour stability. It also provides durable UV protection, prevents yellowing, surface degradation and loss of mechanical properties, consistent with Tinuvin 477, the BASF reference widely used in wood coatings and other coating systems.

Physical differences between 007 and 018

The main difference is in application focus and physical form. UV Green 007 is a solid powder, mainly used in transparent plastics, while UV Green 018 is a viscous liquid, mainly used in coatings. Another difference is the UV absorption profile: UV Green 007 provides broad-spectrum protection across UV-A and UV-B, ideal for thin, transparent plastics, whereas UV Green 018 has red-shifted absorption, focused more on longer UV-A wavelengths, making it perfect for coatings and varnishes. The difference in substance also affects how they are incorporated into materials: UV Green 007 mixes into plastics during processing, while UV Green 018 blends easily into liquid coating formulations.

Differences in UV absorption and performance, thermal stability and compatibility

UV protection

Both products protect against UV-induced degradation. UV Green 007 helps prevent yellowing and maintains the strength of plastics. UV Green 018 protects coatings, keeping gloss, colour and surface quality intact over time.

Thermal stability

Both UV absorbers remain stable at high temperatures. UV Green 007 retains its performance during plastic processing such as extrusion and injection moulding. UV Green 018 stays stable in coatings during baking or curing, without evaporating or losing effectiveness.

Compatibility and solubility

UV Green 007, as a solid, is best for plastic matrices where it stays fixed in the polymer. UV Green 018, as a viscous liquid, mixes easily into coatings and other liquid formulations.

Typical applications for UV Green 007 and UV Green 018

• UV Green 007 / Tinuvin 1600: thin plastics, polycarbonate sheets, acrylics, polyester components exposed outdoors.
• UV Green 018 / Tinuvin 477: wood coatings, industrial clear coats, solvent-based and waterborne coatings, plastic coatings.

How to choose the right UV absorber

The choice depends on the application. For transparent plastics and thin sections, UV Green 007 (Tinuvin 1600) is the preferred option. For coatings, varnishes and liquid formulations, UV Green 018 (Tinuvin 477) mixes well and provides long-term UV protection.

FAQ | UV Green 018 vs UV Green 007