How to rethink the magic potion that makes flexible PVC possible using thermal stabilisers? How to maintain PVC’s durability, transparency, light weight, aesthetics and insulation for auto interiors and flooring? Think organic-based stabilisers from Galata Chemicals.
“Polymers are organic materials and, as such, are heat-sensitive and suffer from thermal degradation. PVC is no different and, just like any polymer, has to be protected against the action of high temperatures during processing. And the magical additives doing this job behind the scene are the thermal stabilisers”, explains Dr. Karl-Josef Kuhn, former polymer scientist from Galata Chemicals.
PVC thermal stabilisers for flexible vinyl are normally liquid substances based on Sn (tin), Ca/Zn (calcium/zinc) and Ba/Zn (barium/zinc) organic salts. The latter two are the so-called mixed-metal stabilisers.
“These additives are often mixtures of metal lubricants, co-stabilisers and other boosters used to reinforce the action of the metals”, continues Dr. Kuhn. “Metals have always been thought of as the key-elements for the stabilisers, but recently a lot of work has been done in the development of metal-free additives, also known as organic-based stabilisers (OBS)”, says Dr. Kuhn.
In the past few years there’s been increasing demand for more environmentally friendly materials to make the chemical industry more sustainable.
“The new Mark® OBS® stabilisers can be manufactured in facilities with significant lower energy consumption and using renewable materials”, says Dr. Kuhn. “These additives are based on amines produced from renewable vegetable oils, showing the commitment of Galata Chemicals with the long-term, sustainable chemistry.”
“This new technology puts an end in the discussion about heavy metals in PVC products, providing additional positive aspects as low emissions,” says Dr. Kuhn. ‘’Moreover, the new family of Mark® OBS® can be used at significant lower levels, which is a key improvement in comparison with current products”
Easy-to-handle, solvent free and renewable. Like a puzzle, Galata had to put all these elements together to address the question of low emissions which have made it possible for organic-based stabilisers to be used on PVC products not previously covered, such as flooring and automotive artificial leather.
As simple as that, but still challenging. “The requirements of both industries are getting increasingly strict, especially with the new demands in terms of indoor air quality. Also, consumers are asking for more bio-based content in the products. It’s an improvement for converters as well, since fewer emissions will be present during PVC processing,” concludes Dr. Kuhn.
