EFFECTS OF ALKALINE-EARTH METAL STEARATES ON THE DEHYDROCHLORINATION OF POLY(VINYL CHLORIDE)

The thermo non-oxidative degradation of PVC and the effects of alkalin e earth metal (Be, Mg, Ca, Ba) stearates were studied by thermogravime try in the temperature range 150 to 500-degrees-C. The alkaline earth metal stearates were observed effectively reduce the dehydrochlorinati on of PVC. The synergistic effects of combinations of these salts with lead stearate were also studied and are discussed. Kinetic parameters such as the activation energy, order of reaction and Arrhenius factor were calculated by the Coats and Horowitz methods. The results showed that these metal stearates increase the activation energy required fo r the dehydrochlorination of PVC.