Pigmented and transparent,highly impact-resistant PVC for outdoor use

Based on the high standard of quality of EVA-modified PVC, Hüls has developed an impact-modified acrylate-base PVC which can be processed over a wider range, thus meeting the high demands made with regard to processability. The excellent light stability and resistance to weathering of this material, with its technological properties being retained at the same time, were achieved in white and brown pigmentation within a wide range of stabilizations. This is supported by comprehensive findings from open-air weathering stations located in various climate zones as well as by findings obtained from Weather-Ometer and QUV testing. One phenomenon which has been observed in connection with white-pigmented PVC, but which has been accorded little attention in the technical literature, is the discolouring of weathered samples when stored in a dark room. This phenomenon, which can also be simulated in a Weather-Ometer, has an impact on the evaluation of PVC materials for out door usage and of ten leads to false conclusions. In addition to this pigmented, impact-resistant PVC Hüls has also developed a highly transparent, impact-resistant PVC for out door use which is also acrylate-modified. Here the selection of stabilizers and of the graft copolymer is limited from the beginning due to the high demands made with regard to the technological properties of the final product, i.e. light stability and resistance to weathering, high transparency as well as impact resistance. Despite this, Hüls has been successful in developing an impact-modified graft polymer which, when suitably compounded, meets the exacting requirements made by the market.