additives | PVC Reapak B-CV/3090/25, in line with all other Reagens
stabilisers for T3 cables, is said to show what Reagens describes as “outstanding thermal stability, excellent colour hold and retained values of Congo Red even after the most demanding thermal ageing.” Adeka says it has long been involved in the develop- ment of more environmentally-friendly stabilisers for rigid and flexible PVC used in a wide variety of applica- tions. The company says that in recent times Ca-Zn stabilisers have been specified in preference to Ba-Zn liquid stabilisers for some particular applications, such as artificial leather for automotive applications, due to the low toxicity of calcium-containing compounds. “This trend will continue and is likely to expand for other PVC products in the future,” the company predicts. One of its latest Ca-Zn Powder stabilisers is ADK
Above: China’s plastic pipes association is pushing for a phase out of lead stabilisers as early as 2017
the total investment at the site to date to $25m and will add capacity to produce one-pack non-dusting calcium- based stabilisers, mainly for rigid PVC. Investment will also go into production of metal soaps to provide security of supply of high quality feedstock. Baerlocher began production of calcium-based
stabilisers in China in 2012, and says it now sells more than 20,000 tonnes/yr. It also produces lead stabilisers in Changzhou and can supply Chinese customers from a plant in Malaysia. The company says Chinese processors still use large amounts of lead-based stabilisers, but it expects the switch to calcium-based alternatives to gain momen- tum in 2016/2017, particularly for rigid PVC applica- tions. China’s plastics pipes association (CPPA) has targeted the transition for production of pipes and fittings without lead stabilisers as early as the end of 2017, although it is most unlikely that any transition will have been completed by then. Some leading pipe and cable manufacturers have already successfully switched to calcium-based stabilisers, however. Reagens also highlights recent performance-fo-
cused developments in Ca-Zn stabilisers. “Faster speed extrusion, higher output, superior technical character- istics are crucial for every top quality car manufactur- er,” the company says. It has recently extended its established range for PVC cable compounds with the addition of a new grade for T3 class cable products that has enhanced ultrasonic welding properties. Ultrasonic welding employs high-frequency vibra-
tions to allow cables to be joined in milliseconds. Even so, Reagens says, OEMs are working hard to further reduce welding time and simultaneously extend the properties of the welded cables. “Reapak B-CV/3090/25 helps to face this further challenge as its unique characteristics grant an easy welding and a prolonged lifetime to the cables,” the company claims.
28 COMPOUNDING WORLD | June 2016
STAB SP-2016, which is intended for flexible and semi-rigid products such as hoses, sheets, films and synthetic leather. The product is said to provide very good colour retention, heat stability and transparency, and to display low VOC characteristics.
Additive repositioning Some repositioning has been taking place among stabiliser suppliers in recent months. Last December, for example, Akcros Chemicals acquired Lamberti Group’s PVC Additives business. Then this April, Akcros itself was acquired by Valtris Specialty Chemicals (Valtris was carved out of Ferro in 2014 and is now owned by private equity investment firm HIG Capital; it was originally called Valerus, but changed its name last August). When Akcros acquired Lamberti, it said the deal
would “bring together two leading additives producers, both with a strong reputation for quality, technical innovation, flexibility and customer focus, extending their combined leadership position in flexible PVC additives and broadening their geographic scope of operation.” At the time of the acquisition, Akcros said there
would be a 12-month transitional supply arrangement between it and Lamberti for products manufactured at Lamberti’s site in Gorla, Italy, during which there would be a gradual consolidation of production into the Akcros production site in Eccles in England. “However, Akcros will continue with a permanent sales, customer service and technical support team based in Gorla to support customers in Southern Europe, Africa and other regions,” Akcros said. Valtris Specialty Chemicals produces chemicals
primarily used as additives in the production and processing of polymers, sealants, and chemical intermediates; it has five sites in the US and one in Wales in the UK. Products of Akcros Chemicals—since renamed Valtris Specialty Chemicals—are used as
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