Flexible PVC Performance Enhancing Additives

Achieve the desired physical properties of your high performance product.

Overview

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile, resource efficient, and cost effective thermoplastic that is useful in a broad range of applications.

PVC resin is the backbone material of PVC compounds. Assorted additives are then mixed in with PVC resin which

determine characteristics such as flexibility, color and weatherability. PVC attains its usefulness from these additives that enable it to be used in a multitude of markets and end use applications.

A better understanding of the components of a PVC compound and it's available additives can help you achieve the desired physical properties for your high performance product.

PVC Compound Additives

PVC Compound Additives Plasticizers

Stabilizers

Fillers

Lubricants

Colorants

Flame retardants

Antimicrobials

Plasticizers

Plasticizers are used to soften the PVC compound, or to reach a desired hardness. Plasticizer grades are

produced in varying molecular weights and as the molecular weight of the plasticizer increases, the volatility of the plasticizer decreases.

Are not just additives (like pigments or fillers). They conform well to PVC keeping the required softness at minimal quantity (plasticizing efficiency) and are major components that determine the physical properties of polymer products. They ensure the material doesn't easily migrate into air or water (low volatility, low migration.)

Types: Phthalates - BBP, DOP, DINP, DIDP, DTDP, 711P, DUP

Adipates - DOA, DINA, DIDA

Trimellitates - TOTM, TINTM, TIOTM

Citrates - ATBC

Polymerics - High molecular weight plasticizers

To satisfy regulatory requirements, bio-based plasticizers are available which are made from plants rather than oil.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers: Are made from mixed metals Are used to protect the compound from degrading due to the heat of

processing Can provide additional benefits including increased UV, weather and heat

resistance. Have an important impact on the overall physical properties of the material as

well as the cost of the formulation.

Stabilizer types include: Organotins Barium/Zinc Calcium/Zinc

Fillers

Fillers are defined as chemically inactive, solid particulate or fibrous materials

that are added to PVC, primarily for cost reduction purposes.

Types include: Calcium carbonate

Calcined clay

Sulphates

Silicates

It is important to remember that all fillers, especially in large quantities, can negatively impact the physical and processing properties of the material.

Lubricants

Lubricant additives are used both internally and externally to lubricate the polymer chains and

reduce the friction between the Vinyl compound and the metal surfaces it contacts during processing.

Typess include Stearic acid Calcium stearate Parrafin wax Oxidized polyethylene wax Esters

A few advantages of using lubricant additives include improved processing rate, improved mold release and greater impact resistance.

Colorants

Color enhances and adds value to custom engineered compounds. Colorants are Added in powder form during the compounding process to match

exact color specifications or develop a new custom color.

Pre-colored PVC compounds are advantageous because they help ensure quality and color consistency during each production run.

Non phthalate and FDA compliant colorants are available as are fluorescent, glow in the dark, and other specialty colorants.

Many factors can affect color, so it is important to consider the application's lighting conditions, usage environment, processing conditions and the other additives used in the compound.

Flame Retardants

Although PVC resin is inherently a flame retardant material, certain additives such as plasticizers can increase the flammability of the compound.

To counteract this undesirable characteristic, a variety of flame retardant additives can be utilized such as Antimony trioxide

Alumina trihydrate.

Antimicrobials

Antimicrobials are used in applications where resistance to bacteria and fungus are necessary including marine and flooring applications.

The most commonly utilized antimicrobials are based on obpa and octhilinone.

Note about Additives

When considering potential additives, it is important to consider the end-use application requirements, regulatory approval requirements and cost. When improving one physical property it is possible to simultaneously compromise another.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like more information about material additives, please contact us at 800.462.4781 or info@sylvin.com.

A better understanding of the components of a PVC compound and it's available additives can help you achieve the desired physical properties for your high performance product.