Antioxidant:
Many polymers are protected against oxidative degradation by incorporating certain chemical compounds called "antioxidants". Even in small amounts, antioxidants are significantly effective in preserving the original properties of the polymer. Antioxidant oppose oxidation & in a good number of cases suppress many undesirable reactions promoted either by oxygen or per-oxides. The formation of peroxides & hydro-peroxides by the attack of oxygen is shown in the reaction--
