PVC is one of the most versatile materials used in making commercial and industrial products. Most commonly, this polymer material is used in plumbing pipes, sheets, and even electrical equipment. However, before PVC is turned into finished products, it requires additives (also called PVC stabilizers) to help make it thermally stable. Before we delve further into stabilizers, let’s go over the basics of PVC.

What is PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most used synthetic polymers in the world. It was discovered by Eugen Baumann in 1872 and has been rocking the manufacturing industry ever since its introduction in the world of plastics in 1926.

In general, PVC is a strong material and can even sustain heavy loads depending on its thickness. It is also very versatile and is widely used in manufacturing everything from medical devices to industrial-grade flooring. Unfortunately, by itself, PVC doesn’t bear the heat properly.

Thermal Instability: A Primary Drawback

PVC is thermally unstable, even at temperatures that are required to mold it. If used in its original form, PVC can start resin degradation within its polymerization reactor and continue to degrade before it is even used.

The primary reason behind this is the fact that at temperatures above 170 C, the Hydrogen and Chlorine bonds start breaking within the PVC molecules. As a result, this starts to realize hydrochloric acid and unstable molecules such as allylic chlorine structures in a chain reaction.

What are Heat Stabilizers?

When working with PVC, you may have heard of materials such as PVC pipe stabilizers. These are special additives mixed into the PVC material to help protect it against thermal degradation as well as UV and mechanical degradation. However, the most needed are heat stabilizers as high thermals are what PVC is most susceptible to during and after the manufacturing process.

What are the Types of Heat Stabilizers?

Heat stabilizers come in various forms, each with its own benefits. To help you make the right decision when you’re out buying CaZn Stabilizers or any other kind of PVC stabilizers, we will discuss the most popular ones below:

Calcium-Zinc-Based Stabilizers

Calcium-Zinc-based stabilizers or CaZn stabilizers are the newest generation of PVC stabilizers in the market. These are primarily made of metals such as Calcium and Zinc stearates along with various organic and inorganic compounds.

These stabilizers can be purchased as flakes or powders and can be tailored to the type of PVC product that needs to be manufactured.

Benefits

  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic.
  • Don’t have staining issues.
  • High compatibility with other stabilizers.

Lead-Based Stabilizers

Lead-based stabilizers are excellent for PVC processing prior to manufacturing electrical equipment. These form lead chlorides in the PVC during the process of stabilization which gives the resultant material excellent electrical properties.

Benefits

  • Excellent resistance against heat and UV light.
  • Glossy texture.
  • Longer lifespan of resultant PVC.

Final Thoughts

Both types of PVC Stabilizers serve their own purposes during the PVC manufacturing process. Depending on your requirements, you can choose the one that fits your needs better. After reading this, I hope you have a thorough understanding of PVC Heat Stabilizers. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment.