| Abstract: | Polycaprolactone at moderate usage levels has been determined to provide desirable modifications of both rigid and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). In rigid PVC it effected significant improvement in melt processing as well as good modulus, tensile strength, and kerosene resistance. Impact strength was not measurably altered, but heat-distortion temperature was appreciably lowered. In flexible PVC, polycaprolactone contributed increased tensile strength and ultimate elongation, reduced volatility, and kerosene extraction. Lowering of modulus and flex temperatures were similar to conventional liquid polymeric plasticizers, but melt processability was not as good as lower-molecular-weight plasticizers. |
