Zinc maleate and calcium stearate as a complex thermal stabilizer for poly(vinyl chloride)

Zinc maleate (ZnMA) and calcium maleate (CaMA) were synthesized by reaction of maleic acid with the corresponding metal oxides and were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal stabilizing effects of ZnMA and CaMA on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were investigated at 180°C in air by a static stability test. The stabilization mechanism of ZnMA and the synergism of ZnMA/CaSt₂ (St = stearate) were also studied by UV‐visible and FTIR spectroscopies, as well as a thermal stability test. The PVC with the ZnMA stabilizer exhibited good thermal and color stability caused by the ability of ZnMA to replace the labile chlorine atoms in PVC chains, absorb hydrogen chloride, and react with the polyene intermediates via a Diels–Alder mechanism. The gel content of the PVC/ZnMA samples reached 31% after 2 min of heating and 44% after 10 min, thereby indicating that crosslinking could easily occur with ZnMA, probably owing to catalysis by Zn species. The static and dynamic stability results showed that the synergistic effect of the ZnMA/CaSt₂ stabilizer was greater than that of ZnSt₂/CaSt₂. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:1–9, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Study on pentaerythritol–zinc as a novel thermal stabilizer for rigid poly(vinyl chloride)

Pentaerythritol–zinc (penzinc) was prepared by a solid‐phase reaction technique. The principal volatile products of the reaction between pentaerythritol and ZnO were analyzed with a coupled thermogravimetry—mass spectrometery system. The results indicated that a large amount of water was formed at the reaction temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed the appearance of penzinc as flaky particles. Accordingly, the penzinc obtained through the dehydration between pentaerythritol and ZnO is likely to be a monopentaerythritol complex, such as zinc monoglycerolate. The thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with penzinc as a thermal stabilizer was investigated by a Congo Red test, Oven aging test and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The Congo Red test showed the thermal stability time of PVC with penzinc was 38 min, longer than those with commercial thermal stabilizers. TGA indicated that the penzinc had little impact on the thermal degradation of PVC, but could increase the mass of residues. Oven aging test showed that the penzinc could significantly retard the discoloration during the long‐term decomposition of PVC. Meanwhile, no “zinc burning” was observed in the PVC with penzinc. These results indicate that the penzinc is an excellent thermal stabilizer for rigid PVC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Thermal,thermomechanical, and morphological characterization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/ZnO nanocomposites: PVC molecular weight effect

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)‐based nanocomposites containing 2 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared by solution casting and the effect of the PVC molecular weight (MW) on the morphology, thermal properties, and thermogravimetric behavior was studied. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles to PVCs of different MWs increased the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the resulting nanocomposites, the extent of which was dependent upon the MW of the PVC matrix. The nanocomposite samples exhibited broadened transition zones as compared with their unfilled PVC matrices. The extent of transition zone broadening was also controlled by the MW of the PVC matrix in the nanocomposites. In the absence of ZnO nanoparticles, the increase in MW of PVC had no effect on the breadth of the transition zone. The TGA results showed that the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into PVC matrices of different MWs accelerated the first stage weight loss via the nanoparticle catalytic effect through removal of HCL from the polymeric chains. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles lowered the second stage weight loss, and the char yield obtained for nanocomposites samples was significantly greater than that obtained for neat PVC samples. At low MWs, the presence of ZnO nanoparticles had no effect on the first stage of thermal degradation process. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles in the matrix in different nanocomposites was revealed by SEM observations, and the EDX analysis demonstrated a progressive improvement in the distribution and dispersion state of ZnO nanoparticles in the PVC‐based nanocomposites as the MW of PVC matrix gradually increased. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E63–E71, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of self-crosslinkable zinc polyacrylate latices at room temperature

The zinc ion self-crosslinkable polyacrylate latexes (PAs) cured at room temperature were synthesized by seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization with zinc oxide (ZnO) as crosslinker. The ZnO and methacrylic acid (MAA) mass contents, method of ZnO introduction in relation to the degree of crosslinking, and the properties of self-crosslinkable latices are examined and discussed. The characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) have been used to determine the structure and properties of PAs. The experimental results show that in a certain range, the average particle size decreases with an increase in the content of MAA, while the latex stability is undoubtedly improved. The optimum mass content of MAA is 12?% of the total monomers. The optimum amount of ZnO needed is 25?% (mole fraction) of MAA, and the optimum temperature of ZnO introduction is 60?°C. TEM analyses show that the latex particles are coarse spherical particles with surface enriched with comprising abundant carboxyl groups, and zinc ions are dissociated as zinc ammine complex in the aqueous phase. FTIR analyses confirm that the chelate crosslinking occurs between zinc ions and carboxylic acid during the film-forming process. The DSC results indicate that the glass transition temperature (T _g) of PAs increases as a function of the formation of a coordinate structure, and the obtained film exhibits excellent initial hardness and sandability. TGA analyses demonstrate that the introduction of ZnO evidently enhances the thermal stability of self-crosslinkable PAs.     

Zinc maleate and zinc anthranilate as thermal stabilizers for PVC

The results of the evaluation of zinc maleate and zinc anthranilate as thermal stabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) are reported in this article. Calcium stearate, diphenyl isodecyl phosphite, and epoxidized soya oil were used as costabilizers. Both zinc compounds showed good stabilizing performance in static and dynamic tests, particularly at low concentrations. The best results were obtained with zinc anthranilate. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 2603–2605, 2000     

Synergistic effect of acetonedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester and calcium/zinc stearates on poly(vinyl chloride) thermal stability

Acetonedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester (AADE) is obtained by the interaction of ethanol with acetonedicarboxylic acid that is prepared from anhydrous citric acid. The thermal stabilizing effect of calcium and zinc stearates (CaSt₂/ZnSt₂) combined with AADE on poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) is evaluated by the Congo red test, conductivity test, thermal aging test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results of thermal stability tests show that the addition of AADE can improve not only the thermal stability but also the color stability of PVC. The improvement in stabilizing effectiveness is ascribed to the synergistic effect between CaSt₂/ZnSt₂ and AADE. The thermal stability mechanism of AADE is also under discussion with the help of quantum chemical calculations. The results of quantum chemical calculations indicate that, besides having the ability to form complexes with zinc ion, AADE has an evident tendency to replace the allyl chloride of the PVC. The results of the thermal aging test and quantum chemical calculations show that the thermal stabilizing effectiveness of AADE is higher than that of stearoyl benzoyl methane (β‐Diketones). J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:228–234, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of lanthanide (La(III))‐containing ionomer on thermal stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride)

A type of lanthanide (La(III))‐containing ionomer based on acrylate processing aid (ACR) for poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) was synthesized, and influence of the ionomer on thermal stabilization of PVC was investigated with visual color comparison and Congo red methods. Results revealed that the ionomer with a suitable La(III) content behaved as a good costabilizer to PVC. It was able to extend static stabilization time of PVC and postpone “zinc burning.” The stabilizing efficiency of the ionomer to PVC depended on ion content, which was discussed in terms of Eisenberg–Hird–Moore model. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared test verified that this ionomer can react with zinc stearate (ZnSt₂) to form some new structures, which is responsible for postponing “zinc burning.” The ionomer and epoxidized soybean oil exhibited a synergistic effect on the stabilizing efficiency of calcium stearate (CaSt₂)/ZnSt₂ stabilizer to PVC compounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Insights into the use of zinc–mannitol alkoxide as a novel thermal stabilizer for rigid poly(vinyl chloride)

Zinc–mannitol alkoxide (Zn–Man) was synthesized through alcohol exchange reaction, and investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The thermal stability of Zn–Man for rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was evaluated by Congo red testing, conductivity measurements, thermal aging testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy test. The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of Zn–Man not only apparently prolonged the static thermal stability time to approximately 96.5 min but also evidently improved the initial color of PVC. More importantly, the color of the PVC sheets stabilized with Zn–Man did not change to black within 180 min; this showed that no zinc‐burning phenomenon occurred. In addition, the results of TGA reveal that Zn–Man raised the initial degradation temperature of PVC to about 273.4°C. UV–vis testing indicated that the presence of Zn–Man decreased the content and shortened the length of the conjugated double bonds of PVC. The possible thermal stability mechanism is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42038.     

Influence of zinc oxide on thermoplastic elastomer‐based composites: Synthesis,processing, structural,and thermal characterization

It was aimed to investigate how thermal conductivity and stability properties of synthesized thermoplastic elastomers were influenced by zinc oxide (ZnO) additives which differed in size and surface treatment. ZnO particles were prepared by the homogeneous precipitation method by mixing aqueous solutions of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) and zinc nitrate. The obtained particles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as a modifier to reduce aggregation among the ZnO particles. The composites, prepared by melt compounding method, were characterized in terms of their morphology and thermal properties. Uniformly distributed surface treated particles caused an enhancement in thermal conductivity properties. At 10 wt% ZnO concentration the thermal conductivity of composite reached 1.7 W/mK compared with 0.3 W/mK for the neat polymer. At the same filler loading, ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a greater effect on thermal conductivity compared with submicron sized particles. It was found that the coefficient of thermal expansion of composites decreased at low temperature (55°C) with increasing ZnO content. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the neat polymer and the composites were resistant up to 340°C without significant mass loss. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2369–2376, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation of lanthanum trioxypurine with zinc stearate and pentaerythritol as complex thermal stabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride)

Lanthanum trioxypurine (LaTr) was triumphantly synthesized by reacting trioxypurine and lanthanum nitrate at neutral condition and was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal stability effect of LaTr with its assistant thermal stabilizers about zinc stearate (ZnSt₂) and pentaerythritol (Pe) on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated by Congo red test, discoloration test, UV–vis spectroscopy test, and thermal decomposition kinetics. The results showed that the addition of LaTr as thermal stabilizer could significantly enhance static stability time and long‐term stability of PVC. It could be mainly attributed to the anions in the structure of LaTr, could efficiently absorb the hydrogen chloride released by PVC, and have ability to replace unstable chlorine atoms on structure of PVC. Moreover, the mixing of LaTr, Pe, and ZnSt₂ could reveal an excellent synergistic effect and both promote the initial color and the long‐term thermal stability of PVC. The thermal stability of PVC reached the optimal state when the ratio of LaTr/Pe/ZnSt₂ was 1.8/0.6/0.6. In addition, compared with the reaction energy E_a and UV–vis spectroscopy test's result of PVC samples, the order of PVC's thermal stability was PVC/LaTr/Pe/ZnSt₂ > PVC/LaTr/Pe > PVC/LaTr. The result was further ascertained that LaTr/Pe/ZnSt₂ showed excellent synergistic effect and could be used as an excellent complex thermal stabilizer for PVC. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:347–358, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Binary blends of poly(vinyl chloride) stabilized by lithium acetate‐thermal studies

A series of blends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with (1) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or (2) polyoxymethylene (POM), with lithium acetate as a stabilizing agent, was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), either alone or coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that lithium acetate has a significant effect on the thermal properties of blends under investigation. It causes the initial decomposition temperatures to increase by about 60–150°C for PVC–POM blends, a substantial suppression of the volatile products evolution for PVC/PMMA blends, and an improvement in the surface morphology for both polymer systems by lowering the degree of roughness. The origin of these effects was discussed by analysis of the intermolecular complexation between metal salt and PVC structural arrangements in the blends. Such interactions may lead to the formation of long‐range, directional‐specific structural regularities, which in turn thermally stabilize the whole system (strong interactions model). © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 2576–2587, 1999     

Production of nano zinc borate (4ZnO·B2O3·H2O) and its effect on PVC

In this study, nano sized zinc borate powder with a formula of 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O was synthesized using 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.0–3.5H₂O as a starting chemical which was produced using a wet chemical method. After dissolving 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.0–3.5H₂O in an ammonia solution, the clear solution was boiled until a white powder formed. The resultant powder was characterized with XRD, FTIR, TGA and TEM. XRD, FTIR and TGA results proved that the powder was belonged to the 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O. Nano composites of 4ZnO·B₂O₃·H₂O–polyvinylchloride (PVC) were produced by injection moulding by adding 1 and 5 wt% zinc borate powders into PVC to enhance its flame retardancy. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of virgin PVC increased from 41% to 47% and 54% for the 1 and 5 wt% zinc borate added PVC, respectively. Nano zinc borate addition into the PVC does not have considerable negative effect on the mechanical properties of zinc borate–PVC composites even at high amounts of 5 wt%.     

The effect of pentaerythritol‐aluminum on the thermal stability of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)

Pentaerythritol‐aluminum (PE‐Al) was synthesized by a solid‐phase reaction in this study. The formation and characteristics of PE‐Al were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM images showed that the shapes of PE‐Al particles were spherical and the average size was around 23 nm. The thermal properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with PE‐Al were tested by Congo red test, thermal aging test, conductivity test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV–visible spectroscopy test. The results showed that combination of PE‐Al, in comparison with commercial thermal stabilizers, presented an obvious improvement in stabilization efficiency of PVC. Moreover, addition of PE‐Al could significantly prolong static stability time of PVC, reduce weight loss, and improve the initial color of PVC films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3704–3709, 2013     

Zinc glycerolate with lanthanum stearate to inhibit the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride)

Zinc glycerolate (ZnGly) was prepared and used as a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) thermal stabilizer in this work. ZnGly was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Visual color evolution and thermal stability time at 180°C were used to examine the stabilizing efficiency of the samples. The thermal stability of PVC was significantly enhanced through adding ZnGly or ZnGly with lanthanum stearate (LaSt₃). Compared with zinc stearate (ZnSt₂), it was demonstrated the initial color stability was markedly improved and the thermal stability time was obviously extended by adding ZnGly. The thermal stability time of ZnGly was threefold than ZnSt₂. In comparison with CaSt₂/ZnSt₂, the extent of coloration of PVC samples was significantly inhibited though adding LaSt₃/ZnGly. It was verified that the appropriate percents of ZnGly in the mixture were between 25 and 50%. A possible mechanism for the stabilizing efficiency of ZnGly was also proposed. The stabilizing efficiency was attributed to the stabilizer's ability to absorb hydrogen chloride and replace the labile chlorine atoms on PVC chains. Moreover, the dynamic thermogravimetric analysis was used to confirm that combination of LaSt₃ with ZnGly presented an obvious improvement of stability on thermal degradation of PVC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Synergistic effect of adipic acid pentaerythritol ester with calcium and zinc stearates on poly(vinyl chloride) thermal stability

Adipic acid pentaerythritol ester (AAPE) was synthesized in this study and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The synergistic effect of AAPE with calcium and zinc stearates (CaSt₂/ZnSt₂) on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) thermal stability was evaluated by the conductivity test, thermal aging test, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the addition of CaSt₂/ZnSt₂ combined with AAPE could improve color stability and long‐term thermal stability of PVC. The results of UV‐visible spectroscopy showed that CaSt₂/ZnSt₂/AAPE could prevent the generation of conjugated double bonds. The possible mechanism is that AAPE can chelate ZnCl₂ to prevent the thermal degradation via dehydrochlorination. The contrast tests showed that the synergistic effect of AAPE and CaSt₂/ZnSt₂ is more obvious than that of polyethylene (PE) and CaSt₂/ZnSt₂, which may be attributed to the lower melting point of AAPE and the better compatibility with PVC. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:293–299, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and application of zinc oxide/poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) hybrid ultrafiltration membranes

A small molecular-weight cut-off (MWCO) of 6000 Da poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) embedded zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was synthesized via nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Tests of field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), capillary flow porometer (CPF), mechanical test, and pure water flux (PWF) for characterization of membranes were carried out. The EDX, FTIR, and TGA indicated the presence of ZnO in the polymer matrix. The hybrid membranes showed enhanced pore density, PWF by the presence of the particles. The contact angle and water flux of modified membrane with 0.03 wt % of nano-ZnO were 47.7° and 52.58 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ compared to 71.6° and 36.27 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ respectively; Compared with the hydrophobic membrane, the PMIA membrane, with hydrophilicity, is supposed to exhibit good antifouling properties. Furthermore, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the modified membranes were increased. Finally, the hybrid membrane was used in treating papermaking white wastewater and exhibited good separation and high water flux. The great properties of the ultrafiltration PMIA membranes indicate their potential for excellent performance in industrial applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47583.     

Effect of lignin esters on improving the thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride)

To improve the thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and the utilization of lignin (L), different L esters were added to PVC to produce the plates with enhanced thermal stabilities. The properties and structures of the L ester–PVC plates and the properties of the L esters and their mixtures with PVC were analyzed by universal mechanical testing, static thermal stability testing, thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that L improved the thermal stability of PVC, but the mechanical properties were substantially deteriorated. Proper esterification of L improved the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of the plates. Noncyclic anhydride acetylated L–PVC plates possessed good static and dynamic thermal stabilities and mechanical properties. The PVC plates incorporated with the L esters with a degree of esterification of around 40% exhibited the best combination properties. Maleated L–PVC plates had good dynamic thermal stability and mechanical properties but poor static thermal stability. The opposite properties were found for succinylated L–PVC plates. The differences in the properties of different L ester–PVC plates were attributed to the different abilities of L esters to capture free radicals, the crosslinking reaction between L esters and PVC, and their compatibility. Different properties of the L esters indicated their different applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47176.     

Effective methodology for the production of novel nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl chloride) and zinc oxide nanoparticles modified with green poly(vinyl alcohol)

Ultrasonic irradiation and solution dispersion methods were used to organize transparent worthwhile poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposite (NC) films which contain different amounts of modified zinc oxide nanoparticles (NP)s. First, modification of ZnO NPs was accomplished by biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to increase NCs compatibility and dispersity in the PVC matrix. The investigation followed by the fabrication and characterization of PVC/ZnO‐PVA NCs which obtained via fast and facile ultrasonication irradiation. The measurements of X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used for the characterization of properties, structure and morphology of the obtained NPs and their NCs. Furthermore, thermal and optical properties of the resulting NCs were also carried out by thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet‐visible transmission, and absorption spectra. Morphology results demonstrate well‐dispersed characteristics of ZnO‐PVA NPs incorporated in the PVC matrix which resulted from modification. Also, modified ZnO NPs enhanced mechanical properties of prepared NC films. Prepared NCs could be categorized as self‐extinguishing materials on the basis of the limiting oxygen index values. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1800–1809, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Epoxidized Mesua ferrea L. seed oil‐plasticized thermostable PVC and PVC‐clay nanocomposites

The use of vegetable‐oil‐based polymeric plasticizers with nanotechnology can create new applications for plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Epoxidized Mesua ferrea L. (Ceylon Ironwood) seed oil was used as a plasticizer for PVC. Further, nanocomposites were prepared through an ex‐situ technique using epoxidized‐oil‐swelled organically modified montmorillonite (5 wt%) and PVC. Notable improvement in thermal and processing characteristics of the nanocomposites was observed over those of the virgin polymer (in both unplasticized and plasticized PVC), as studied by TGA. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. A dramatic decrease in viscosity (7‐fold) was observed in THF for a 10% solution of epoxidized‐oil‐modified PVC compared to unplasticized PVC in THF, as measured by Brookfield viscometer. Isothermal analysis at three different temperatures (100, 150, and 200°C) reveals sufficient stability of the epoxidized oil modified PVC nanocomposites, as confirmed by gravimetric and FTIR analysis. Augmentation of thermostability and good retention of mechanical properties of the (Mesua ferrea L.)‐plasticized‐PVC/clay nanocomposites with respect to rigid PVC vouch for the utility of the former as advanced industrial materials. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 18:168–177, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synergistic effect of metal soaps and natural zeolite on poly(vinyl chloride) thermal stability

The synergistic effect of metal soaps (zinc stearate and calcium stearate) and/or natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) on PVC thermal stability was investigated. For this purpose, PVC plastisol was prepared by mixing poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and stabilized with different amounts of metal soaps and zeolite. Kinetic studies of dehydrochlorination at 140 and 160°C were done for unstabilized and stabilized PVC plastigels using 763 PVC Thermomat equipment. The stabilizing effect of zeolite on the increase in the induction period of the sample was considered to result from the absorption of HCl, a property that was thought to reduce the autocatalytic effect of HCl evolved at the initial stages of dehydrochlorination. Since the induction time of the sample having 0.53% of zinc stearate and 0.53% of zeolite was higher than those of the PVC plastigels having only zinc stearate or zeolite, the synergistic effect on thermal stability was observed at low levels of these additives. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 11:47–56, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers