Antioxidant Master Batches These are usually organic compounds that slow down or completely stop polymer degradation due to oxidation. Degradation in the form of discoloration, change in viscosity, surface crazing, loss of physical and mechanical and optical properties can be avoided by the use of anti oxidants. These situations usually arise due to exposure of the polymer at elevated temperature during processing or due to long term exposure to the environment. These antioxidants can be classified as primary antioxidants and secondary antioxidants depending on their stabilizing effect in the life span of the polymer.