So what’s the catch? Rigid foamed PVC has barrelled along with double-digit growth, replacing wood trim, profiles, fence and decking because the material is more durable and doesn’t rot.
Foamed PVC is low-maintenance, installs easily, and it’s environmentally friendly in that it has a long life cycle and doesn’t need painting.
OK, here’s the catch: What about all the raw materials being used, and the risk of foam collapse?
Dow’s SureCel™ product is an additive that makes foamed PVC products lighter while maintaining high quality and high modulus. It represents a breakthrough in processing aid technology for rigid cellular foam PVC.
This technical innovation relies on the reaction of the processing aid with PVC to build a polymer network in the melt during the extrusion process. That technology allows for a maximum reduction in density of up to 20% -- unobtainable with existing processing aids.
Additionally, SureCel™ gives a stronger, more uniform cell structure which prevents foam collapse and enables the production of thicker sheets and boards of over 3 cm.
The technology used by SureCel™ also provides for a lower gloss appearance and substantially improves paint adherence for those who choose to colour the foamed PVC.
What’s more, Dow’s creation contributes to improve the ecological footprint of PVC in that foamed products can now be made with up to 20% less raw materials.
The SureCelTM processing aid technology has been introduced to the European market and is gaining considerable traction in both free foam and Celuka extrusion processes for profile and thin board signage.
