PVC ADDITIVES | MATERIALS
Development in PVC additive technology, such as stabilisers, aims to provide more sustainable options for construction and other applications, writes Mark Holmes
IMAGE: IKA
Sustained innovation in additives for PVC
The push for greater sustainability and the increas- ing role of regulation are driving the development of alternatives in the PVC additives market to long-standing traditional products, including those based on tin and heavy metal technology. Addi- tives that can increase recycling rates for PVC are also under development and some are now reaching the market.
Some tin-based stabilisers for PVC have drawn
the attention of regulators in Europe in recent times and calcium-based stabilisers can offer an alternative, according to Baerlocher. “Regulatory activities are one of the dominant drivers for developments,” said Dr Stefan Fokken, head of research and development. “Tin stabilisers for PVC have been in focus of regulatory bodies for years now and recently many studies to assess octyl- and methyl-tin stabilisers have been conducted. Additionally, the current activities by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for assessment of PVC
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Foaming developments Another application area where tin stabilisation has been utilised is production of foamed sheets and profiles. Baerlocher says many foam profile produc- ers in the UK are now using calcium-based stabilis- ers while many European foam sheet producers are also using only calcium-based systems. In foam applications, achieving a homogeneous foam structure, smooth surface appearance, and good initial colour are the main issues to be addressed. Surface properties are, however, less
and its additives also focused on tin stabilisers. “This has triggered ongoing developments for calcium-based alternative stabilisers to replace conventional tin-based chemistry. In many applica- tion fields, such as plasticised film or rigid compact and foam sheet extrusion, calcium-based alterna- tives have already gained a decent market share, proving that the alternatives are workable,” he says.
Main image: There is a clear trend in PVC additive
development towards more sustainable, lower carbon footprint solutions
July/August 2023 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 11
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