AMI’s PVC Formulation 2011 Conference will take place at Düsseldorf, Germany in February. AMI consultant, Jon Nash will start proceedings with a review of the market recovery for PVC.
Leading PVC compounder, Ineos Compounds, has studied the future alternatives after the move away from dibutyl tin stabilisers. The removal of heavy metal stabilisers is still a key driver of research as one change to a recipe can affect many other aspects. Catena Additives has looked at the selection of impact modifiers alongside the shift from tin to calcium/zinc stabilisers, while Chemson Polymer Additive has examined the phase behaviour of the metallic stearate stabilisers. The trends are similar worldwide, with companies such as Kalpataru Organics developing heavy metal-free stabilisers in India. Minerals feature a lot in PVC and Kisuma Chemicals is examining the effects of hydrotalcite on heat stabilisation in Ca/Zn formulations. Kuraray has found that polyvinyl alcohol can act as a co-stabiliser.
PVC is widely used in construction, including cable. Burgess Pigment has looked at low voltage insulation formulation using calcined kaolin clay. At the same time, Lanxess Deutschland has tested flame retardants such as phosphate esters for flexible vinyls. In terms of waxes, Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) has reviewed the use of different types including including metallocene PE. Processing technology is key in good production. Coperion is one of the lead equipment suppliers from raw materials to the pellet stage, while K-Tron develops conveying solutions.
The search for alternatives to phthalate plasticisers continues with a trend towards “green” chemicals. Danisco has developed bio-based plasticisers and Eastman Company has looked at non-phthalate plasticiser formulations for specialty plastisols. Lanxess Deutschland is testing triacetin as a component of P-PVC recipes. Adkeniz Kimya has looked at the sustainability issues of zinc stabiliser compounds in PVC. There is some very innovative chemistry in the PVC markets, with BASF developing “hot” PVC, which has a higher softening point. Tony Gaukroger of Colour Masterbatch has patents in colouring uPVC with concentrates. PVC Formulation 2011 offers excellent international networking opportunities for the PVC industry, from end users to compounders and their suppliers. Research will be presented on the latest trends and technical issues affecting business development
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