Influences of chlorinated polyethylene and oxidized polyethylene on the fusion of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) compounds

Fusion time, fusion temperature, and fusion torque of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds with various components were studied in this article. Influ ences of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), oxidized polyethylene (OPE), and c alcium stearate on fusion characteristics of PVC compounds were illustrated . The synergistic reaction among CPE, OPE, and calcium stearate forms a pow erful and effective processing aid that allows the PVC particles to fuse mo re quickly and uniformly. In PVC/CPE compounds, a higher concentration of C PE can function like a processing aid and help PVC particles to fuse togeth er easily. Meanwhile, the interaction between a higher concentration of OPE and calcium stearate in PVC/OPE compounds can promote the PVC particles to fuse together easily in the beginning of the fusion process. However, the external lubricant property of OPE still exists and results in more intact PVC microparticles not fused. The fusion temperature of the PVC in a Haake mixing bowl increases as the fusion time increases. On the other band, the fusion torque decreases as the fusion time increases. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.