| Abstract: | Damage to poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds due to thermal degradation during processing has an important influence on its subsequent weatherability. High melt temperatures and/or high residence times cause white PVC to become more yellow and colored PVC to fade and bleach more upon weathering. If high melt temperatures are used, then short residence times are needed to maintain excellent weatherability. In addition to careful consideration of extrusion conditions, stream-lined equipment is necessary to produce extrudate of uniform thermal history. Also, relatively high thermal stabilizer levels help reduce thermal damage and, therefore, improve weatherability. Impact resistance is better retained when processing occurs at higher melt temperatures. A reasonable compromise between extrusion rate and temperature must be reached to provide for adequate color and impact retention. |
