| This study focuses on understanding the photochemical reactions that occur between ultraviolet stabilizers and lignin during irradiation in order to further comprehend the photo-protection mechanisms of these stabilizers during brightness reversion. The stabilizers chosen for study included a variety of ultraviolet absorbers (UVAs), in addition to a hindered nitroxide free radical (4-hydroxy-TEMPO). Irradiated samples were analyzed using quantitative 31P NMR, in addition to a technique known as 'Derivatization Followed by Reductive Cleavage'.; Benzophenone-based UVAs have been shown to be actively involved in photochemical reactions with lignin during irradiation, while benzotriazole-based UVAs are comparatively photostable under identical irradiation techniques. All additive combinations were found to inhibit the formation of carboxylic acids and photochemical condensation reactions in lignin; however, the joint application of 2,4-DHB and 4-hydroxy-TEMPO demonstrated synergistic inhibition of these reactions.; All additive combinations were shown to impede the formation of catechol structures and to retard the cleavage of lignin beta-arylether groups during irradiation. The combined use of Tinuvin 1130 and 4-hydroxy-TEMPO provided the most efficient inhibition of these reactions. These results provide insight into the excellent photoyellowing inhibition provided by this additive combination when applied onto mechanical pulps. |
