MATERIALS | PVC ADDITIVES


Speakers address PVC additives


Several speakers at AMI’s PVC Formulation conference, held in Dusseldorf, Germany in September, addressed the topic of PVC additives. Ettori Nanni, CEO of Reagens, said develop-


Reagens tested two tin-based stabilisers and three calcium organic stabilisers for colour change after ageing and found similar performance Source: Reagens


ageing characteristics. Adeka has also succeeded in developing an improved weatherability stabiliser formulation for flexible PVC which can provide long-term weatherability in outdoor applications. Lubricants are added to improve the flow


properties of PVC, prevent sticking, and enhance surface finish. Several types are commonly used in PVC compound formulations, including Sasol’s Fischer-Tropsch Hard Waxes and oxidized Fischer- Tropsch (FT) waxes. In a presentation at AMI’s PVC conference in February 2024, Steve Torchia, senior manager global market development and product innovation, Sasol, USA, said the company is developing a ‘lower carbon’ version FT wax manufactured using an improved gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology with a lower carbon footprint than the current GTL technology that was devel- oped in the early 2000s. He went on to say that the ultimate aim is to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by transitioning to alternative feedstocks, and Sasol is seeking development partners to further these ambitions.


Wax lubricants Sasol creates novel lubricant materials by function- alising wax. These chemistry changes alter the functionality and technical benefits for the PVC convertor, adding to their use in many other polymer compounds such as polyolefins, ABS, EPS, composites, and as dispersant and viscosity modifiers for colour masterbatch. In PVC potable water pipes, for example, Sasolwax B52 is a high efficiency lubricant requiring about half as much lubricant as PE wax or paraffin waxes. In recent times Sasol has introduced the Sasolwax B39 series of functionalised products,


32 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | Winter 2024


ing PVC additives using ASF (additive sustain- ability footprint) methodology was his firm’s approach. Other ways can be used to develop sustainable products, of which LCA (life cycle assessment) is probably best known. However, Nanni said that ASF is a broader approach. “It has been successfully applied in building and construction applications, being a key part to get the VinylPlus Label,” he said. “It is the most complete way to scientifically assess the sustain- able use of additives into PVC.” Dieter Drohmann, CEO of Chemservice, said tin-based stabilisers and other additives are coming under “unjustified regulatory scrutiny” in Europe due to their “intrinsic properties rather than scientific data”. This is despite their use being unrestricted outside Europe; them not being persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic (‘PBTs’); and not losing their efficiency over the life of a PVC product.


He said the GOSC (Global Organotin Steward-


ship Council) is collecting data on toxicology and other properties, to “prevent other more restric- tive risk management measures in the EU by ensuring organotins are prioritised for an EU-wide Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) assessment”. Martijn Mies, manager of R&D and technical


support at Huber Advanced Materials, said its Kemgard molybdate-based fire retardants can be used as a safe, efficient alternative to anti- mony trioxide (ATO). He said its mode of action in PVC is to catalyse cross-linking in the polymer matrix, for improved organic char formation – lowering heat and smoke release. “Depending on core material, new complexes


may offer additional benefits,” he said. Typical applications include PVC wall panels, composite decking and pipe. n The next PVC Formulation conference is in Cleveland, USA in February 2025. For more details, contact Carole Charrade on +1 610 478 0800 (carole.charrade@amiplastics.com). � www.amiplastics.com � www.reagens-group.com � www.chemservice-group.com � www.huberadvancedmaterials.com


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