BASF built its reputation through decades of research in the field of specialty chemicals, and Melagard MC represents a leap in materials designed for modern industrial challenges. Long before Melagard MC became a name known among chemical engineers, BASF rolled out a range of stabilizers, antioxidants, and protective agents aimed at plastics, rubbers, and coatings. Earlier generations couldn’t stand up to prolonged environmental exposure, so yellowing, cracking, and performance drop-offs plagued industrial processes. Through the nineties and early 2000s, BASF poured resources into refining chemical structures that could withstand heat, UV, and mechanical stress. Melagard MC’s roots stretch back to that legacy—fusing experience with newer synthetic routes. Its development grew out of years spent listening to customer feedback about persistent degradation of materials in tough field conditions, and BASF responded with iterative testing, chemical tweaking, and analytical improvements. What seemed like chemistry trivia to outsiders—moisture sorption rates, light stability—became central to Melagard MC’s story on factory floors and in R&D labs.
Melagard MC belongs to a family of light stabilizers that do more than just fend off discoloration; it gives real backbone to plastics, fibers, and coatings exposed to sun, heat, and pollutants. BASF offers it in several presentation forms—micro-prills, low-dust granules, and even liquid dispersions for quick mixing. Each form comes tailored for manufacturers hoping to avoid hazards that can gum up extruders or lead to uneven mixing. The real story with Melagard MC is consistent performance: it delivers long-term UV protection and truly helps extend product life. Customers in the automotive, construction, packaging, and appliance sectors often cite less maintenance headache and longer shelf-life as practical wins.
The true identity of Melagard MC comes through in its appearance—a pale, almost translucent powder that blends without fuss into polymers. This material resists clumping under humid conditions, never turns sticky at room temperature, and won’t break down under harsh compounding. Hydrolytic stability stands out as one of its hallmarks: Melagard MC shrugs off moisture, so its stabilizing punch doesn’t fade even in tropical or marine environments. Its melting point hovers well above 100°C, setting it apart from more brittle, temperature-sensitive additives. BASF shaped Melagard MC’s molecular backbone to absorb and dissipate UV radiation, thanks to aromatic rings and functional side groups proven to scavenge free radicals before they wreak havoc on product structure.
Product datasheets break down Melagard MC’s attributes in granular detail—granule size typically ranges from 500 to 900 microns and purity exceeds 98%, as confirmed by multiple batch tests. Regulatory labels cite compliance with international food-contact and toy safety directives, giving buyers confidence for global sales. Customers appreciate clarity on residual solvent content (usually less than 0.1%) and heavy metal trace testing that consistently reads below detection limits. Thermal stability metrics list no distinct weight loss or color change up through the higher end of most molding and extrusion temperatures.
BASF employs a multi-stage chemical synthesis that kicks off with aromatic intermediates, adding stabilizing side chains through controlled reactions—never a slapdash affair, chemistry here is hands-on every step. After synthesis, purification steps remove trace byproducts, and gentle drying ensures low moisture. The final prilling or granulation step lines up with end-user machinery requirements, and quality control teams run batch checks on viscosity, melting profile, and residual content. This method doesn’t just meet a datasheet spec; it turns out a product ready for the rigors of modern material processing.
In compounding operations, Melagard MC interacts with host polymers, bonding at reactive sites to anchor itself—so, leaching and migration drop to a minimum even after repeated heat cycles. Chemical tweaks happen upstream at BASF: inserting functional groups that target specific polymer types (polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides). Melagard MC resists breakdown from aggressive processing chemicals. Downstream, it can partner with HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) and antioxidants to form multi-phase barriers against degradation, far beyond the performance of single additive blends. Laboratory reports document synergy—one stabilizer mops up early radicals, another intercepts UV, and Melagard MC keeps the structure intact long after.
Industry circles know Melagard MC by several aliases—trade names and chemical IDs circulate depending on geography and application. In North America, it sometimes goes by the catalog number MC-728 or as a BASF specialty light stabilizer. In European Union safety documentation, you may spot it listed as a UV-Absorber MC or simply as a high-performance benzotriazole derivative. Distributors supply cross-referenced names to avoid confusion, especially since many companies still use in-house labels for regulatory filing or client specification.
Worker safety ranks high for anyone handling Melagard MC. Safety Data Sheets make clear that dust control and proper ventilation matter, since fine powders can become airborne in busy processing zones. Typical PPE—gloves, goggles, dust masks—prove effective because Melagard MC’s toxicity sits well below hazardous thresholds. Eye and skin contact risks remain low, and ingestion risk almost never comes up in well-regulated plants. Storage recommendations focus on cool, dry areas with sealed containers to prevent caking or accidental spills. Fire safety audits rarely flag issues because Melagard MC isn’t prone to ignition, and it lacks the volatile organics that complicate warehouse safety with other additives.
Manufacturers across sectors rely on Melagard MC to turn sun-exposed products from weak points into selling points. Car makers trust it for dashboards, cable sheathing, and exterior trim, where photo-degradation proves relentless. Window frames and roofing membranes in the construction world gain years of extra usable life with a dose of Melagard MC. Packaging firms use it in clear bottles and wrapping films, letting groceries or beauty products stay fresher thanks to light shielding. Appliance companies feed it into plastics that face repeated sunlight and cleaning agents, banking on less yellowing and greater mechanical strength. Some advanced textile producers spin fibers with Melagard MC to up colorfastness in outdoor gear or sports apparel—a benefit that keeps colors vibrant season after season.
BASF’s innovation pipeline keeps Melagard MC in the research spotlight, driven by feedback from downstream partners and fresh challenges—like ever-increasing regulatory limits on additive migration or consumer push for safer, greener plastics. Recent studies focus on tuning molecule size and side-chain flexibility, aiming for even better dispersion in bio-based polymers and recycling streams. Some of the most creative university collaborations involve using Melagard MC as a stabilizing backbone in 3D printing filaments, coatings that withstand high-energy UV sterilization, and specialty films that don’t cloud up under repeated bending. Emerging research directions include developing grades suited for compostable plastics—a tall order given the tension between durability and biodegradation.
Toxicology studies on Melagard MC have run through repeated cycles, thanks to rising scrutiny over polymer additives. Independent labs, alongside BASF’s in-house teams, test for acute and chronic hazards—oral, dermal, and inhalation. The compound shows negligible bioaccumulation and doesn’t disrupt aquatic life under normal discharge scenarios, which wins favor among major brands facing evolving environmental rules. Food-contact compliance checks in the US, Europe, and Asia look at extraction limits—tests again point toward low risk, with migration levels registering well below statutory cutoffs. Some advocacy groups push for ongoing review, spurring BASF to maintain steady streams of new toxicology data and transparent public reporting.
Market dynamics promise plenty of new ground for Melagard MC, especially where designers mate plastics with sustainability targets. Growth in 3D printing, lightweight automotive components, and solar panel encapsulation creates fresh demands for robust, low-migration light stabilizers. BASF’s response has been to scout renewable feedstocks for future Melagard MC analogs, experiment with hybrid blends to handle ever-harsher outdoor exposures, and work toward grades that mesh with closed-loop recycling. Customers increasingly ask for solutions that balance performance, safety, and lower ecological impact—Melagard MC’s evolution depends on keeping up with that kind of challenge. Every round of feedback from the field, every fresh regulation, pushes improvement, not only in chemistry, but in how products like Melagard MC help industries stretch into the future.
Walk down the aisle of any hardware store and you'll spot buckets of paint, plastic patio chairs, outdoor signage, and even car trim—all braving the elements. Each of these products owes its resilience in some way to light stabilizers. Among these, BASF Melagard MC stands out for delivering robust protection against damage from sunlight. In my years working with coatings manufacturers and plastics suppliers, I’ve learned first-hand just how crucial it is to fight the slow decay from UV rays. Melagard MC steps in here as a UV absorber, helping to keep colors vivid and surfaces strong, long after cheaper alternatives would fade or crack.
Spend a summer leaving anything plastic outside, and you’ll see how quickly the sun works its magic—in all the worst ways. Materials that don’t get a protective boost can turn brittle or yellow, even split apart under stress. UV rays break molecular bonds in plastics, paints, or elastomers. With Melagard MC blended in, these materials hang on a lot longer. I’ve seen this difference at outdoor water parks; slides coated with UV-protected paint keep their shine, while neglected ones turn chalky and shabby.
Melagard MC works by soaking up the destructive rays and converting them into a less harmful form. That’s a technical mouthful, but it's the real-world effect that counts: less fading, less cracking, fewer repairs. This product finds its way into consumer goods—think garden furniture, window profiles, or siding—but also into the industrial end of things, such as car parts or agricultural films. I remember a plastics producer telling me a small tweak, adding this stabilizer, cut their customer complaints about fading by more than half over two summers.
Companies pick Melagard MC not because it’s trendy, but because competition in materials is unforgiving. If a brand's garden table keeps its color for years, while another’s turns yellow and weak, the choice becomes clear for shoppers. Faster replacement means extra waste and more manufacturing, which piles onto landfills and wallets. Alongside durability, this stabilizer lets makers play with bolder, brighter colors—they aren’t forced to stick with drab tones just to avoid visible damage.
The world expects sturdy products that last. Supply chains hate recalls and raw material waste. I’ve sat in on meetings where engineers groan over redoing a batch because the color didn’t survive shipping under the sun. Products treated with Melagard MC travel further, last longer, and spark fewer headaches. That said, the chemical industry faces its own pressure about safety and environmental impact. The best path forward involves supporting recycling systems and keeping a close eye on new research about the long-term effects of additives. I’ve seen some producers already pushing to improve transparency, making it easier for buyers to know what’s inside their plastic lawn chair or window frame.
Over the past decade, demand for outdoor products soared, and so did expectations. Quick fixes don’t cut it anymore; people want items that look good through many seasons, not just one. BASF Melagard MC doesn’t make products invincible, but it goes a long way to help them survive under real-world use—and that’s good for business, for people, and for the environment.
BASF Melagard MC stands out in the world of plastics and coatings. Unlike most stabilizers, this blend steps up protection against UV light. Polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyethylene face trouble when sunlight hits hard. Melagard MC holds back that damage. After years working with outdoor furniture and automotive plastics, the effects become clear—yellowing slows down, surface cracks take much longer to show up, and the material keeps its toughness.
From a chemical perspective, Melagard MC combines several UV absorbers and light stabilizers. The goal isn’t just to filter out harmful rays, but to delay the chain reaction breaking down the polymer. Over time, you notice less brittle cracking and faded surfaces. The stabilizer blend manages both short- and long-wave UV, so things stored out in sun-heavy climates can outlast cheaper alternatives. You often spot the difference in car bumpers, playground slides, and agricultural covers.
No one likes surprises during manufacturing. Melagard MC arrives as tiny free-flowing granules, easy to handle and dose. Feeding into extrusion or molding equipment stays smooth—no bridging, no unexpected melting. At several of the plants I’ve visited, line operators switch over to Melagard MC without any headaches usually caused by dust or clumping. It doesn’t gum up the works, and cleaning the equipment does not add time to the schedule—something every engineering manager appreciates.
Another thing I’ve experienced with Melagard MC: less discoloration during the hot, fast conditions of processing. Melt flows don’t brown or haze up, even at higher shear rates. That shows up in things like clear garden hoses and modern headlamp lenses, where clarity impacts performance. Customers keep asking for longer warranties and better looks, and this stabilizer gives factories the tools to step up.
Safety in plastics production cannot get ignored. Melagard MC avoids the worst offenders on the restricted substance lists. This blend steers clear of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants flagged by REACH and food contact standards. I’ve sat in on supplier audits where compliance officers looked for certificates, and BASF always had paperwork to prove the point. End customers, especially in Europe and North America, push for these certifications more each year.
Melagard MC also keeps dust and handling issues low. Workers told me they did not face sneezing fits or odd skin reactions compared to older powdered stabilizers. Less dust in the air means lower risk for lung irritation, a concern especially in older plants with less ventilation.
Plastics keep finding their way outdoors, from agriculture to sports and city parks. Results from real-world exposure show Melagard MC slows chalking, handles tough climates, and supports thinner, lighter designs. Companies aiming for longer lifetimes and fewer replacements save money and materials. At the same time, recyclers find less contamination compared to stabilizers with toxic legacy components.
The market keeps raising the bar. Blending in new stabilizers like Melagard MC costs a bit more per kilo, but cuts warranty claims and reduces product returns. For customers demanding reliability under harsh sunlight, it pays off. BASF’s investment in research pops up here, turning years of lab knowledge into something factories trust, and end-users can count on, season after season.
Anyone who’s prepared a meal knows that every ingredient carries a story, but the things we don’t see—those hidden in the packaging or trays—matter just as much. Food contact materials shape what ends up on our plates in more ways than people usually think. Even the tiniest trace of an unsuitable additive could become a problem, especially when food safety slips into the conversation.
BASF has rolled out Melagard MC as a UV absorber, mainly targeting plastics that spend lots of time in the sun. Products like food containers, bottles, and wraps stay clear of yellowing and brittleness because the polymer gets some armor against sun rays. But plenty of folks start wondering: what is getting into my food, and is it safe?
The most common rulebook guiding this concern in Europe is Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, and in the U.S., it's the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that sets the tone. Let’s not forget, most manufacturers toe the line on these rules because nobody wants a health scare. I’ve seen more than one food packager shell out big bucks to swap out materials at the eleventh hour because the UV protection used wasn’t approved.
Melagard MC, known chemically as 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxybenzophenone, shows up in several plastics, not just for its effectiveness but also for its established track record. There’s a catch: not all versions, or all uses, fit the standards for touching food. Having worked in product development, I’ve seen first-hand how some additives clear all the right chemical hurdles but hit a wall on migration testing or documented risk assessments.
In Europe, only additives listed in Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, and within specific migration limits, are considered food-safe. Based on recent versions of this regulation, Melagard MC stays off the main accepted list. U.S. FDA allows for certain benzophenones in polymers meant for food, but only after full review of migration data at expected exposure levels. Even then, many buyers demand proof, such as migration test certificates or compliance statements from suppliers.
It doesn’t help that technical data sheets can be confusing to read, often relying on a patchwork of local approvals instead of clear-cut international consensus. So packaging engineers, regulatory managers, and even many end users often get stuck. They check batch certificates, review migration test results, and dig into supply chain documentation just to be sure. That’s real work, and it doesn’t always end in clarity.
None of this stops the demand for longer shelf life, more resilient packaging, and transparency. As expectations rise, more brands shift toward additives that have multi-country certifications. It’s frustrating, but not impossible. Better regulatory guidance, more rounded risk assessments, and closer collaboration between suppliers and buyers would help a lot. In my own work, we’ve chased down full traceability just to avoid a possible recall—and it paid off when an unexpected audit rolled in.
BASF Melagard MC does its job to fight UV breakdown, but its story with food contact use isn’t settled everywhere, and relying on generic “safe for plastics” claims doesn’t protect a brand from regulatory headaches. Anyone producing packaging meant for food should keep up with the finer details—batch testing, compliance paperwork, and periodic review of laws. At the end, that’s what stands between consumers and any hidden surprises.
Anyone who’s ever tried to fix a cracked wall with cheap paint knows that sometimes a little more thought at the start prevents headaches down the road. BASF Melagard MC acts as an ultraviolet absorber in plastic and coating formulations. If you get the amount wrong, the finished product either won’t last as long as it should—or you’ll be wasting money, time, and resources on overkill. Most raw material suppliers recommend using 0.1% to 0.5% of Melagard MC by weight in the total formulation. On the surface, it’s a simple range, but the decision-making doesn’t end there.
Nobody likes explaining to a client why their plastic patio furniture yellows before summer’s over. In my own work, a cheap fix rarely fixed the real problem. Add too little and you’re just inviting UV degradation to trash the product. Add too much and costs go up, and sometimes the appearance or mechanical behavior of the material starts to change in odd ways. Too much of anything can backfire.
Local climate also matters. Sun-soaked outdoor applications in Arizona won’t need the same recipe as something tucked away on a warehouse shelf in Scandinavia. Application target drives the blend; so does durability expectation from the customer. This is where a lab run pays dividends—watching how material ages in a weatherometer beats guessing any day.
Plenty of published testing points to that 0.1% to 0.5% sweet spot for plastics like PVC, polyurethane, or acrylics. For example, studies on PVC window profiles showed that stepping above 0.5% didn't add extra protection against fading. The product datasheet doesn’t lie: for most standard plastics, staying within that bracket blocks the majority of harmful UV.
If a formulation uses other stabilizers or UV absorbers, the upper end of the range makes less sense. Most chemists I’ve talked to consider interactions between additives—the wrong combination can give cloudy blends or affect curing times. In my years on production floors, no one wanted to redo batches because someone ignored the fine print or real-life experience.
Label accuracy remains a big issue in the chemical supply chain, especially in regions where knock-off products circulate. Always source Melagard MC from suppliers with reliable chain-of-custody paperwork. The actual part number and grade can vary, and so can the concentration needed. A quick cross-check with technical support often makes a difference.
For start-ups or small players, it’s tempting to cut corners on lab validation. I’ve seen places overdo Melagard MC use and slim their own margins, or miss the addition altogether trying to save money. The right habit: keep accurate records on every batch, run side-by-side aging tests, and adjust as you learn. One trick—set aside a control sample from every batch, mark the date, add sunlight, and see just how materials change for yourself.
Years of trial and learning in manufacturing taught me that smart companies always test new batches. They pay attention to field complaints, pull samples every few months, and compare results. Lean too hard on a single recommended number and you risk missing the mark. Let real-world feedback guide you, and keep tweaking the dosage based on where products actually end up.
In a world driven by industrial chemistry, a product like BASF Melagard MC doesn’t just show up and play nice unless folks on the ground know exactly how to treat it. This additive, built for some serious ultraviolet protection, only does its job well if it's stored and handled with respect. Dusty warehouses, leaky containers, wild temperature swings: all of these can undo even the smartest formulation work. It’s not just about shelf life. Any slip can mean ruined batches or equipment issues down the road.
No one likes working with a clumped-up, degraded powder. Anyone who’s spent enough time in the raw materials section knows what high humidity and fluctuating temperatures can do. I’ve pulled open sacks after a sticky summer spell and found a brick where powder should be. BASF Melagard MC handles best in a dry spot, with temperatures somewhere between 5°C and 35°C. Direct sunlight doesn’t do it any favors, either. Toss it next to heat sources—radiators, sun-baked windowsills—and expect disappointment.
Sloppy storage not only wastes material, but it also eats up time. Imagine grinding down lumps before a mixing run—what should be a quick job stretches on, eating into production uptime. Dry, moderate temperatures and some cool shade make all the difference.
Resealing containers isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. Moisture creeps in fast, and even a premium additive starts acting up if exposed for long. In my years around production lines, I’ve seen teams grab from open bags, then forget to seal them again—to disastrous results. Fine powder absorbs ambient moisture quicker than you think.
Using original packaging with a tight seal beats re-bagging every time. If a bag tears, transferring to an airtight drum or bin isn’t a luxury—it’s damage control. Don’t cut corners here. Good labeling also keeps things clean, especially once you wind up with partially used packages stacking up in storage.
Handling any chemical powder means thinking beyond the immediate task. BASF Melagard MC might not seem threatening, but repeated exposure adds up. Dust in the air or on skin causes irritation. Goggles, gloves, and a dust mask should be part of the basic kit, not an afterthought. That’s not just company policy or bureaucratic nonsense. It keeps everyone healthy, day in and day out.
Spillages aren’t rare, regardless of experience. A small rip in a sack can coat the floor in no time. Sweeping dry powder stirs up clouds—never a good idea in shared spaces. A vacuum with HEPA filtration solves it better. Having that on hand, along with proper waste disposal bins, saves the team headaches and keeps regulators off your back.
That’s the other piece: safe disposal. Don’t treat this like regular trash. Follow local guidelines, train teams, and keep a ready log for disposal. It’s not about making work harder; it’s about making sure the factory keeps running, everyone goes home healthy, and the product performs as promised. Taking these steps seriously pays off, both in smoother production and in the peace of mind that comes with controlling risk instead of reacting to it.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1,2-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-dione |
| Other names |
Tinuvin 326 Lowilite 26 Uvinul 326 |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbiːˌeɪˌɛsˈɛf ˈmiːləˌɡɑːrd ˈɛmˈsiː/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3896-11-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 7654026 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:52344 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2106014 |
| ChemSpider | No ChemSpider identifier found. |
| DrugBank | DB11237 |
| ECHA InfoCard | InfoCard - 100700000963 |
| EC Number | 148-79-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 3424236 |
| KEGG | C17822 |
| MeSH | Copolymers |
| PubChem CID | 156637 |
| RTECS number | SL8575000 |
| UNII | D7R50QZ4WY |
| UN number | “3077” |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H5N3O6 |
| Molar mass | 770.95 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.18 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 6.98 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.00001 hPa |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 9.6 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -11.00e-6 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.53 |
| Viscosity | 700 – 1500 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 2.95 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 120 J/(mol·K) |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7514 kJ/kg |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A11GA01 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. Read carefully and follow all instructions. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0-NA |
| Autoignition temperature | 410°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 10,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 2000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | 10 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 1.2% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Chimassorb 81 Tinuvin 320 Cyasorb UV-531 |
