Developments in PVC additives and compounding

14-Nov-08

Formulations are changing for PVC due to the phasing out of some plasticisers and lead stabilisers. This is leading to a re-think of the whole formulation to give more cost effective and added value compounds. Applied Market Information is organising a forum to debate these issues: PVC Formulation takes place 16-18 March 2009 in Germany. Polymer Chemie is one of the top companies in Europe. The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) has a big drive to encourage sustainability in formulation. Baerlocher has examined how REACH will affect additives in the future. Stabilisation is undergoing major changes - alternative chemicals require reformulation and retesting of compounds to be sure that they are fit for purpose. Chemson has organic based stabilisers for window profiles and DuPont Titanium Technologies is working on the role of titanium dioxide on weatherability in the new formulations. Catena Additives also has new 'greener' stabilisation systems. Perstorp is looking at polyols and Nablatec has new mineral co-stabilisers for Ca/Zn systems. Other functional minerals include hydrotalcite, tested by Loughborough University as a PVC stabiliser. Omya has a new direct mineral filler addition technology for PVC-u to improve processing. Lubrizol has a new dispersant for filled PVC and Clariant Produkte has new processing aids. Rohm and Haas has foaming agents to improve foamed rigid PVC production. On the compounding side, Gala has new solutions for pelletizing. Phthalate plasticisers have been subject to intense scrutiny and are being substituted. BASF and Exxon Mobil Chemical have reviewed these changes and looked at the effectiveness of alternatives. Eastman Chemical has focused on DEHT. Are the innovations as good as the traditional materials? Specialist compounders have exciting new products including anti-bacterial PVC from Doeflex-Vitapol. Kabelwerk Eupen is at the forefront of developments with nanocomposites, particularly as flame retardants. AMI's international conference on PVC Formulation 2009 brings together top experts in compounding to discuss the latest technology and market opportunities for the industry.